Parts Retailer Offers Tips to Prepare Motorists for the Summer Season

PHILADELPHIA--June 21, 2004--With summer fast approaching and vacationers planning family trips and long drives, it is more important than ever that vehicles be in the best possible condition to handle the rigors of summer driving. The Pep Boys --Manny, Moe & Jack would like to give motorists the information they need to prepare themselves and their vehicles for a safe, enjoyable summer season.

As a company committed to public safety and a sponsor of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Pep Boys advocates the safety and well-being of everyone traveling this season. Pep Boys reminds motorists to never leave children or pets in a vehicle unattended, even for a minute. A locked car sitting in the sun quickly turns into an oven. Temperatures can climb from 78 to 125 degrees in approximately eight minutes.

Vehicles can also be extremely susceptible to changes in temperature. Checking certain critical parts and systems of your vehicle can help to ensure that your summer vacations and day trips go exactly as planned.

"Hot summer driving conditions are often stressful on vehicles, and can lead to breakdowns," said Bruce Chidsey, vice president of service operations for Pep Boys. "No one wants that to happen to their vehicle, so maintaining the mechanical systems of your car, truck, van or SUV now can mean peace of mind during those summer road trips. Preventive maintenance is the key to a dependable vehicle. Also, in light of today's escalating fuel costs, a well-maintained vehicle is more fuel efficient."

Critical areas and ideas to consider include:

Air Conditioning System

Without a properly working air conditioning system, summer driving can be very uncomfortable. A well-functioning air conditioning system is a must during hot weather, times of high humidity (such as rainstorms) and during times of high pollution. It is important to have your system checked periodically and have regular maintenance performed to ensure you have a properly working air conditioning system.

Cooling System

Failures in the cooling system are a major cause of vacation breakdowns. Be sure to check for leaks in the radiator and heater hoses. Antifreeze lowers the boiling point of your coolant and is important to check as well. Flush the cooling system every 24,000 miles or according to the vehicle manufacturers' recommended maintenance schedule.

Tires, Steering & Suspension

Potholes caused by harsh winter weather can take a toll on tires, steering and suspension components and your alignment, so prior to summer, it is important to check the tires for dangerous sidewall breaks and excessive or uneven tread wear. When a car pulls to one side while steering or braking, it can be an indication of suspension problems or the need for wheel alignment.

Battery

Test the battery now, especially if it's near the end of its expected life based on its warranty. Also, make sure the connections between the battery cables and terminals are tight and free of corrosion.

Brakes

If it's been more than 15,000 miles or 12 months since the last time the brakes were checked, drivers should consider having them inspected, including all brake linings, hardware and hydraulics. The hydraulic system should be assessed for leaks and proper operation. "Sponginess" or "drop" in the brake pedal, a tendency for the car to pull to one side when braking, or a drop in the master cylinder's fluid level reservoir all can signify problems.

Engine Drive Belts

Engine drive belts operate important parts attached to the engine, such as the alternator, water pump, power steering pump and air conditioning compressor. These belts should be checked regularly for cracks, dry-rot, glazing, uneven wear and frayed edges. If belts slip or break, it could mean a breakdown, loss of air conditioning, engine overheating or even a loss of steering. If equipped, the condition of the timing belt is also very important, because if this belt breaks, it can cause immediate and potentially expensive internal engine damage.

Preventive Maintenance

Make automotive maintenance and service a year-round investment. Your vehicle will last longer, and you will gain peace of mind. Pep Boys offers a complete lineup of preventive maintenance packages at various mileage intervals that meet your manufacturers' requirements to keep your vehicle running at its peak. Preventive maintenance is the key to any dependable vehicle.

Transmission

Transmission problems can be bad any time of year - but especially troublesome during long family trips or with your favorite boat or trailer in tow. Erratic shifts or slippage should be examined before more serious troubles arise. A transmission fluid exchange safely removes virtually all of a transmission's old, contaminated fluid, as well as varnish and sludge deposits. It also cleans the transmission's cooler, valve body and torque converter to remove wear metals that slowly grind away your transmission's internal components. This service thoroughly cleans your car's transmission and protects it with fresh automatic transmission fluid and conditioners that revitalize the seals and o-rings.

Complete vehicle maintenance and service information for all or any of these vital areas can be found by visiting the Car Tips section of the Pep Boys website at pepboys.com.

About Pep Boys

Pep Boys has 595 stores and over 6,000 service bays in 36 states and Puerto Rico. Along with its vehicle repair and maintenance capabilities, the Company also serves the commercial auto parts delivery market and is one of the leading sellers of replacement tires in the United States. Customers can find the nearest location by calling 1-800-PEP-BOYS or by visiting pepboys.com.