Tips For Smooth Summer Travel
AAA Auto Repair Article
By AAA Automotive
Posted on July 29, 2016
Car trouble can ruin your day, or worse yet, a long-awaited vacation. Follow these maintenance tips to help keep your travels safe and trouble free.
Underinflated tires impact the handling, braking, and fuel economy of your vehicle.
Inspect tires for cuts, gouges, or sidewall bulges. To check tread wear, insert a quarter upside down into the grooves in several spots. If the top of George Washington’s head is visible at any point, it’s time for new tires. Uneven wear across tire treads can indicate inflation, suspension, or wheel alignment issues.
The brakes are the single most important safety system on your vehicle. Inspect brakes for wear and fluid leaks at every oil change, and whenever there are signs of a potential problem.
Pay attention to your vehicle’s electronic indicators, or any grinding or scraping noises when applying the brakes. Worn out brakes or brake system hydraulic pressure loss require immediate attention.
Heat and vibration are a battery’s two worst enemies. You can’t do much about heat, but you can secure your battery to minimize vibration, and clean the terminals to ensure good electrical connections.
Check your vehicle’s engine oil level monthly. Change the oil at the intervals specified by the vehicle manufacturer and use an oil that meets the vehicle’s factory specifications. Most newer engines require semi- or full-synthetic oil to properly protect the engine and maintain the vehicle warranty.
Rubber components naturally deteriorate over time so wiper blades require periodic replacement. The typical wiper blade lifespan is six to twelve months depending on local climate.
Reinforced rubber drive belts power the engine water pump and various accessories such as the alternator and air conditioning compressor. Inspect the belts and replace any that are cracked, glazed, or frayed. Note that many modern multi-rib or drive belt materials do not show easily visible signs of wear. As a general rule, replace drive belts every 60,000 miles.
A malfunctioning air-conditioning system seldom disables a vehicle, unless the drive belt that powers both the AC compressor and the engine water pump breaks. Auto air conditioning systems do not require routine maintenance, but should be checked if there’s a decrease in cooling capability.
Climate control systems equipped with cabin filters that prevent outside dust and debris from entering the vehicle should be inspected and replaced as needed.
AAA recommends keeping an emergency kit with a flashlight and extra batteries, first-aid supplies, drinking water, non-perishable snacks for your travelers and pets, battery booster cables, and emergency flares or reflectors in your vehicle. Add also a rain poncho, basic tool kit, duct tape, gloves, and shop rags or paper towels.
When your vehicle requires maintenance or repair, trust a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility to provide courteous and professional service. Learn more at AAA.com/Repair.
Tires
Underinflated tires impact the handling, braking, and fuel economy of your vehicle.
Figure 1. Monthly tire pressure checks are a key part of vehicle maintenance. (AAA image)
Inspect tires for cuts, gouges, or sidewall bulges. To check tread wear, insert a quarter upside down into the grooves in several spots. If the top of George Washington’s head is visible at any point, it’s time for new tires. Uneven wear across tire treads can indicate inflation, suspension, or wheel alignment issues.
Brakes
The brakes are the single most important safety system on your vehicle. Inspect brakes for wear and fluid leaks at every oil change, and whenever there are signs of a potential problem.
Pay attention to your vehicle’s electronic indicators, or any grinding or scraping noises when applying the brakes. Worn out brakes or brake system hydraulic pressure loss require immediate attention.
Battery
Heat and vibration are a battery’s two worst enemies. You can’t do much about heat, but you can secure your battery to minimize vibration, and clean the terminals to ensure good electrical connections.
Figure 2. AAA Mobile Battery Service performing a battery test at the roadside. (AAA image)
Fluids
Check your vehicle’s engine oil level monthly. Change the oil at the intervals specified by the vehicle manufacturer and use an oil that meets the vehicle’s factory specifications. Most newer engines require semi- or full-synthetic oil to properly protect the engine and maintain the vehicle warranty.
Figure 3. Fluid levels must be correct for safe vehicle operation. (AAA image)
Wipers and Washers
Rubber components naturally deteriorate over time so wiper blades require periodic replacement. The typical wiper blade lifespan is six to twelve months depending on local climate.
Figure 4. Good wiper blades are critical to clear vision. (AAA image)
Belts and Hoses
Reinforced rubber drive belts power the engine water pump and various accessories such as the alternator and air conditioning compressor. Inspect the belts and replace any that are cracked, glazed, or frayed. Note that many modern multi-rib or drive belt materials do not show easily visible signs of wear. As a general rule, replace drive belts every 60,000 miles.
Figure 5. A comparison of multi-rib drive belts after 100,000 miles. Both need replacement, but the newer belt made of EPDM rubber does not show wear like the older part. (courtesy Gates)
Air Conditioning
A malfunctioning air-conditioning system seldom disables a vehicle, unless the drive belt that powers both the AC compressor and the engine water pump breaks. Auto air conditioning systems do not require routine maintenance, but should be checked if there’s a decrease in cooling capability.
Climate control systems equipped with cabin filters that prevent outside dust and debris from entering the vehicle should be inspected and replaced as needed.
Emergency Kit
AAA recommends keeping an emergency kit with a flashlight and extra batteries, first-aid supplies, drinking water, non-perishable snacks for your travelers and pets, battery booster cables, and emergency flares or reflectors in your vehicle. Add also a rain poncho, basic tool kit, duct tape, gloves, and shop rags or paper towels.
When your vehicle requires maintenance or repair, trust a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility to provide courteous and professional service. Learn more at AAA.com/Repair.