Nick's Auto Advice Newsletter - June 2007

School will be out soon which means a lot of families hitting the road for a long awaited road trip! Take advantage of the information that is our there at your finger tips before getting on the road.
To subscribe to E-Alerts that go right to your inbox, visit Ct. Department of Transportation-Transportation Safety where safety is their first priority. You will get information on traffic volumes, bicycle and pedestrian information, motor carrier issues, accident statistics and highway issues.

Get Ready For Your Summer Road Trips

So you're taking a road trip. You go over your check list; beach towels, suntan lotion, beach umbrella, some great reading material. You're all set right? Wrong! What about your vehicle check list? Your summer auto maintenance is very important. Sure, auto maintenance is the last thing on your mind, but it'll jump to #1 on your priority list if you're broken down on the side of the road in no-man's land! Spend an afternoon on some simple auto maintenance procedures and you'll thank yourself in the end.

Make sure that you have an Roadside Assistance Kit in your trunk:
• Jumper cables
• Fix-a-flat tire repair sealant
• Extra fluids (quart of oil, 1 gallon of water and wiper fluid)
• Flashlights and flares
• First Aid kit and road maps
• Jack and tire iron in locations where you can find them
 

Check Brakes And Pads:

• Brakes are crucial to the safe operation of a car. Listen carefully for changes in the sound during braking, and take notice if the brakes have longer stopping distances and unnecessary pulsing.
   

Have Air Conditioning Checked:

• A properly working air conditioner is very important for the comfort of everyone in your car; especially while driving in hot and humid weather. Have your air conditioning system checked for Low refrigerant, Dirty condenser, Blockages, Air or moisture contamination, Mechanical problem.

Check All Fluid Levels:
• Engine Oil - Make sure your engine oil level is filled to capacity and is clean to avoid damage to your motor. The oil should also have a rich, honey-like consistency with no clumps.

• Transmission Fluid - Check the transmission fluid just as you would the engine oil to prevent blowing your transmission. The transmission fluid should have a deep raspberry color, never feel gritty, and not smell burned.

• Radiator Fluid - Hot weather and long drives combine to put particularly high stress on a car's cooling system. Make sure to fill the radiator and overflow canister with a 50/50 mix of a good quality coolant (antifreeze) and water to prevent overheating while on the road.

• Windshield Washer Fluid - It's crucial that your vision not be obstructed by bugs, dirt and bad weather while driving. You can make a visual check of your vehicle's washer fluid by looking at the see-through container to see if it needs to be topped off.

Change Your Air Filter:
A clogged air filter can cause up to 10% increase in fuel consumption. By replacing your air filter you will be able to improve your fuel economy and help keep your engine in tiptop shape.

Check Tires:

• Tire Pressure - Use a tire gauge to make sure pressures are set to the manufacturer's recommendations. Under-inflated tires are a hazard and can cut fuel economy, and over-inflated tires can generate more heat, wear out more quickly and can cause a rough ride or blow out. Don't forget to make sure your spare also is properly inflated.

• Tire Tread - Check tires for excessive or uneven wear to prevent a rough, wobbly ride or blow out. If the tread has irregular wear, you may need an alignment or have a suspension problem.
TIP: An easy test is to insert a penny into the tread. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, you need new tires.
 

       Inspect Your Vehicle for Any Leaks:

• Check around your driveway for any suspicious leaks that may be coming from your car. You especially want to check for any gas tank leaks! Even the tiniest leak in your gas tank can amount to a large hole in your wallet if not caught soon enough.
   

      Is Your "Check Engine Light" On?

• This is your warning that something is wrong somewhere in the engine and if it's malfunctioning more serious problems can result. This is one point that many car owners neglect. Get it checked!

Millions of Americans will be vacation-bound this summer, and much of that time will be spent on the road. Please remember not to forget highway safety while out and about this summer and have a wonderful and safe trip!
 

If you have any questions or comments, you can email me at nick@nicksautomotive.com or request an appointment here to have your vehicle serviced.

You can read past newsletters here
 

For maximum protection, we advise our customers to change the oil every 3,000 miles or three to six months regardless of what type of driving you do. Please take advantage of the money saving coupon below and either call us for an appointment at 203-366-4775 or click here to request an appointment.

Please click here to print coupon

We hope you enjoyed this newsletter and found the tips helpful. Please call us with any questions or concerns about your vehicle at 203-366-4775. You can email me directly at nick@nicksautomotive.com or request an appointment here. If you have a billing question you can email Tara at tara@nicksautomotive.com We'll be waiting to hear from you!

Servicing Your Car Care Needs
Nick Gramigna