INFORMATION SHEET 1.2.

(Get Your Car Ready to Hit the Road)

Summer is here and with it all those fun-filled road trips and vacations. While getting
ready for your next adventure, don’t forget about your car. Being proactive about car
maintenance now will help keep you and your family safe on the road. Check out our
tips to get your car in tip-top shape so you can vacation more and worry less.

1. Air Conditioning

Feeling the heat? Does your air conditioning feel more toasty than frosty? Keeping cool
is a necessity in the summer heat. Have your AC system inspected by a trained
mechanic to avoid any sweaty car trips this season. You may need to add refrigerant or
you may have a leak that needs repairing. 

2. Brakes

STOP! Is it taking you longer to come to a stop? Are you hearing squealing or grinding
noises coming from your brakes? It may be time for new brake pads and rotors. To
avoid accidents and high repair bills, make sure you have your b rake pads (and rotors)
inspected every 6,000-10,000 miles by a mechanic.

3. Tires
The wheels on the car go round and… well, hopefully round. Check your tire condition,
including air pressure and tread depth, before hitting the road and make sure you have
an inflated spare tire, inflator kit or sealant handy in case of an emergency.  Be sure to
have your tires properly inflated to help maximize gas mileage.

4. Battery

Breathe new life into your ride! Keep your vehicle running strong this summer by
checking or even replacing the battery. Don’t forget to clean your terminals and check
that your battery cables are firmly

attached. Be sure to keep jumper cables in your vehicle, just in case your battery does
give out while you are on the road. 

5. Wipers & Lighting

To get where you’re going, you have to see where you’re going. Replace your worn
windshield wipers every six to 12 months and make sure your washer-fluid reservoir is
full to keep your windshield crystal clear. It is also a good tip to check all interior and
exterior lighting to ensure everything is working properly.

6. Coolant System
It’s getting hot in here! Ensure peak engine performance on the road by checking your
coolant system to prevent overheating in hot driving conditions. Remember, coolant
should be changed annually in your vehicle. Consider checking all hoses, clamps and
the radiator for any leaks, bulges or loose fittings.    

7. Fluids

The more you drive, the more at risk you are for engine problems. To keep your car
running smoothly and safely all summer, check your owner’s manual for the
recommended oil change interval. Make sure you also check your other fluids like the
transmission fluid, power steering fluid and brake fluid to make sure they are full.

8. Filters

Whether it’s your air filter, oil filter or cabin air filter, replacing the filters in your vehicle
helps improve engine performance and the air quality inside your vehicle. The cabin air
filter prevents dirt from entering your vehicle while the engine air filter and oil filter
protects your engine from harmful debris. If you’ll be driving on dusty roads, check your
engine air filter and cabin air filter on a regular basis.

Prepared by:
GODOFREDO P. SAJOL, JR.
Trainer