Life was easier back in the Wild West when everyone rode horses. Feed, shelter and new horse shoes every once in awhile were the only maintenance and upkeep. No dipsticks, pricey fuel and thousand dollar tires every few years. Sure, there would be some negatives there too. Like when you leave your horse in the parking lot at the Wal-Mart, it may not be so easy to find it. At least with a car, you can hit your alarm button to find it. Or just follow the drips of leaking oil to your car. Stepping over horse manure while you’re walking through the parking lot, or stepping over loaded diapers people conveniently dropped in the parking lot…not a big difference there. The following video with the funny looking guy will give you some more light about tuning up your car!
So we’re all stuck with cars here in the city. And the time has come for a little summer car maintenance. Coolant and properly inflated tires are paramount in summer driving. Coolant is something that you can check on your own and top up as needed. Checking hoses and belts that may have worn out or cracked is always a priority as well. You don’t want to be stranded in the heat with a stalled car. And, if you didn’t know, tire pressure changes with the rising temperatures. Approximately one to two PSI (pounds per square inch) for every 10-degree increase in outside air temperature, according to RMA (Rubber Manufacturing Association), which is great to know when performing your summer car maintenance. You should consult your owner’s manual or the sidewall of your tire to see what your tire pressure should be and check it with a hand pressure gauge or just let the guys at the service shop do it for you and keep your paws clean. Also, tires that are over- or under inflated can reduce the vehicle’s handling capability or generate excess heat, causing a blowout. And don’t forget about keeping your spare tire properly inflated.
While air conditioning can be a drag on fuel economy in stop-and-go driving, keeping the windows up and the a/c on improves aerodynamics and is ideal on the highway. Plus, it will keep the driver and passengers comfortable and reduce driver fatigue. Parking in the shade is always good, not only for the exterior appearance of your car, but makes it easier on the a/c system to cool your interior more quickly.
With a little summer car maintenance, you can assure a safer, and more energy efficient travels.
Until next week…
Daun Thompson
Comedienne / Writer / Artist / Airhead Savant