Summerizing Your CarTo avoid becoming one of those poor souls you see on the side of the road with the car's hood up and a cloud of steam billowing to the sky, it's essential to know how to prepare your auto for summertime. Dan Adema, a 20-year automotive expert, offers these tips for hot-weather driving.
- Service Often and Early
Cars that are serviced on a regular basis are the cars that break down the least. Get your car summerized early, so you will be all set when the weather gets hot.
- Get the Cooling System Checked Annually
Mark a reminder on your calendar this year and next year to check the cooling system in spring.
- Turn the A/C Off When Driving Uphill
Minimize air conditioning use when you're going up hills or on excessively hot day to lighten the stress on the engine.
- Overheating? Turn Heater On
When your car starts to overheat on a hot day and you want to buy yourself some time, the best way to do this is to turn the heater on. It may be a little uncomfortable, but by doing this you'll reduce the heat inside the engine.
- Keep A/C Lubricated
The only time a car's air conditioning systems get lubricated is when the a/c is on, so run the air conditioning during the winter months. The system will last two-to-three times longer.
For more information about summer car maintenance and driving, check out the following websites:
American Automobile Association (AAA)
www.aaa.com
VIA, The AAA Traveler's Companion: Preparing the Car for Summer Vacation
www.viamagazine.com | 
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