Tips to Drive Smart This Summer

Simple Maintenance Can Keep You and Your Vacation on the Road

SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 17 -- With summer just around the corner, many Californians are planning family vacations and summer road trips. Drive Smart: take these simple preventive steps offered by California's Bureau of Automotive Repair to save time, money and the headache of having your summer trip interrupted or even cut short because your car breaks down.

"With a few quick and relatively inexpensive steps, you can keep your vehicle and vacation running smoothly," said Kathleen Hamilton, director of the California Department of Consumer Affairs. "You should be enjoying your trip, not worrying about whether your car will make it home."

Summer Maintenance Tips from the Bureau of Automotive Repair

Hot weather can be rough on cars. Higher temperatures speed up a car's wear and tear, as fluids and lubricants break down more quickly. By following the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule and taking the following precautions, your car will be ready for a long, hot summer:

-- Consider a pre-trip inspection by a qualified technician before you leave. -- Check the air conditioning, and inspect the belts and hoses. -- Inspect batteries and battery cables for corrosion, cracks and dirt. Hot weather can shorten a battery's life, so have it tested if it's near the end of its warranty. -- Have a licensed brake adjuster inspect your brake pads and linings for wear. -- Change the engine oil and filter according to the manufacturer's service intervals and specifications. The service technician should also check the coolant, brake, automatic transmission, windshield wiper and power steering fluids. -- Replace ragged wiper blades. -- Check the air pressure in all tires, including the spare, to make sure they are properly inflated. -- A service professional should inspect the radiator pressure cap, belts and hoses. Flush and refill the cooling system according to the manufacturer's service intervals and specifications. -- Never leave on a long trip with your car's check engine light lit up.