Time To Get Ready For Summer

When is the best time to prepare your car for the summer? In the spring, when the weather is just getting warm and winter is over. Preparing your car for the summer can help to eliminate costly repairs and keep you from worrying as the temperature climbs.

Experts say that simple preventive measures like having the oil changed, properly inflating tires, and checking the cooling system can prevent unnecessary breakdowns that spoil summer fun. And, vehicles that are well maintained are more fuel-efficient, which can also help to keep vacation expenses down.

Prepping your car for summer should include the following:

• Have the oil changed to protect your engine against the stress created by long periods of idling in traffic and on short-distance trips.

• Check the air filters and replace them if necessary. Dirty air filters can cause your car to idle or run roughly.

• Test your car's battery. High heat can add strain, so if the battery is weak, it’s a good idea to replace it.

• Check your tire pressure and tread. Fluctuating temperatures can affect the air pressure inside your tires. Maintaining the correct tire pressure can also extend gas mileage. It’s a good idea to rotate your tires, too, if necessary.

• Check fluid levels. It’s very important to keep the correct levels of your car's coolant and transmission fluid to prevent overheating.

• Check the brakes! Winter’s wet and icy conditions mean more braking and stopping than usual, which can cause extra wear and tear on your brakes. It’s also a good idea to inspect the suspension system and replace worn shocks and struts to ensure a smoother ride.

• You might also think about having a fuel system treatment performed to clean the intake valve and combustion chamber (because dirt deposits can form faster under stop-and-go driving conditions). This treatment can help to eliminate rough idling, reduce emissions and restore maximum engine power and fuel efficiency.

• AIR CONDITIONING!!! No one wants to be stuck in high heat and humidity without air conditioning, so it’s wise to have a service technician check your refrigerant levels and perform basic maintenance to keep you cool and comfortable all summer long.

• The spring is also a good time to consider a tune-up. It’s in your car’s best interest to check periodically to make sure that your vehicle is working at maximum efficiency.

Duxler Days
Our May Duxler Days recipient will be New Foundation Center in Northfield. New Foundation Center partners with people with mental illness to recover and pursue lives of meaning and purpose. To help support this wonderful organization, download the special Duxler Days flier at http://wwwnewfoundationcenter.org/. Then, bring the flier to Duxler with you when you come for service in May, and we’ll donate $5 to New Foundation Center on your behalf.

Reading Tree
Don’t forget to bring your used children’s books to the ReadingTree bins at our Evanston, Skokie & Northbrook locations. Our literacy partner, ReadingTree, will make sure the books reach children in need.