Head Back to School Safely With These Auto Tips

By Trisha Hessinger
 
Across America, students are jumping in their cars and driving back to
class. What better way to send your students back to school than to arm them
with proper car care knowledge and a well maintained vehicle? The following
tips will help educate drivers about car care and safety basics ‹ an
important part of every young driver¹s education.
 
Check the fluids. Ensure that the vehicle¹s main fluids are routinely
checked and filled to recommended levels. The main fluids are: antifreeze /
coolant, brake fluid, window washer fluid, engine oil, automatic
transmission fluid, power steering fluid and fuel.
 
Pay attention to the tires. Stopping on wet roads can take up to four times
longer than on dry surfaces. Plus, if the tire tread is worn, the tires may
hydroplane, or skim over the road with little or no traction. Help avoid
this situation by checking tires regularly. Properly inflate all four tires,
plus your spare, to the vehicle manufacturer¹s recommended levels. Tires can
lose up to 1 pound of air pressure per square inch per month. Use an
accurate tire gauge to check tire air pressure monthly and only do it when
the car is cool ‹ meaning when it has been driven less than 1 mile or has
not moved in at least three hours. To check the tires¹ tread on passenger
vehicles, perform this simple test in several areas of the tire: Place a
U.S. penny into a tread groove with Lincoln¹s head facing down. If you can
see the top of Lincoln¹s head, the tire should be replaced.
 
Consider the owner¹s manual the ³textbook² for learning about the vehicle.
Follow the vehicle¹s manufacturer¹s maintenance schedule in the owner¹s
manual or pick up a free schedule at your local Firestone Complete Auto
Care??? center.
 
Be ready for emergencies. Keep an emergency kit in your car for any
unexpected breakdowns or accidents.
 
Trisha Hessinger is a national spokeswoman for Firestone Complete Auto
Care¹s award-winning Car Care Academy program. For more information on the
program, visit www.MasterCareUSA.com.