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Willis Ford Offers DIY Summer Maintenance Tips

Old man winter is almost gone and the sun rays are breaking through the clouds, which means it is time to open the garage and wake the summer car from its hibernation. The Factory Certified Technicians at Willis Ford have put together some tips that can save any driver time, money, and headaches this summer.

The obvious first step is checking the tire pressure. Seasonal temperature changes affect tire pressures. Improper tire inflation affects ride quality and safety; remember that an over-inflated tire is just as bad as an under-inflated tire. Don’t forget to inflate the spare tire and check that the roadside tools (jack, lug-wrench, and wheel lock if necessary) are working properly.

Next make sure all of the fluids are full including radiator fluid, motor oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid and windshield washer fluid. Make sure to pay special attention to the HOT and COLD level indicators and only fill to the proper line. There is no benefit to overfilling your fluids

Check that the battery is fully charged and the terminals are free of corrosion. Nothing is worse for a car battery than high heat combined with high humidity. Most auto parts stores will test a battery for free.

An oft-overlooked piece of safe summer driving is the condition of the windshield wipers. They should be free of cracks and the steel hooks should be clear of the windsheild surface. A new set of wiper blades costs around $20 and can really take the worry out of summer driving.

Lastly check the serpentine belts for cracks and tightness. A constant squeaking is the early warning sign of impending belt failure. This belt typically runs the A/C compressor, alternator, and water pump so keeping a close eye on it can be the difference between a good running car and a ruined summer.

If you don’t want to do your own pre trip inspection bring your car to Willis Ford’s Service Department. Trust the experts. Using OEM parts in a professional shop staffed with factory certified technicians, Willis Ford can insure a safe and problem-free summer road trip. There can be lots of stress planning a summer trip, but a solid inspection can provide assurance that your vehicle won’t be a problem.

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