ROANOKE, VA, June 15, 2007 --(BUSINESS WIRE)--You may enjoy the hot summer temperatures, but it can be extremely hard on your vehicle. In order to keep it running smoothly, take a few short minutes to perform a quick and easy check up before you check out for your next vacation.
“A driver’s goal should be to reach their destination safely and securely,” says Bryan Gregory, Advance Auto Parts director of consumer education. “With the summer season, come the extremes of heat combined with stop and go traffic and longer trips. Just as you would apply sunscreen at the beach, you should also make sure your vehicle is prepared for the conditions that you will be traveling in.”
Gregory recommends taking a few minutes to check your vehicle from bumper to bumper, beginning with a quick peek under the hood. You can start by checking your headlights, air conditioning, oil, oil filter and coolant. Next, check to see if your fan belts are worn and cracking, if your hoses have any blisters or signs of wear and if the battery terminals look clean. You may want to take the car to your local service bay to check out the condition of the battery. Most can run a quick and free test. Finally, inspect your tires by placing a penny head first into the tread; the tread should cover the top of Abraham Lincoln’s head.
In order to be prepared for an unexpected break down, every vehicle should contain an emergency kit. “This kit should include items such as bottled water, non-perishable snacks, your cell phone, basic hand tools, a flashlight and flares,” says Gregory, “and if you have children, a source of entertainment that does not require power from the vehicle is a plus.”
Other quick preparations for any trip include wiping down all mirrors and making sure all windows are clean. You should also make sure to secure any luggage you’re carrying in the car because it could become airborne causing severe injuries in an accident. And don’t forget to check your wiper blades (front and back) – something most of us forget to do until we the streaks on the car’s windshield left by worn blades.
So before you take your vehicle on its next big trip, remember to drive safe and don’t forget to check-up before you check out.
Additional information about the Advance Auto Parts including on-line shopping for parts and accessories can be found on the Company’s web site at
www.AdvanceAutoParts.com .
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