Mechanics Hate Us

With temperatures approaching extreme highs and no relief until fall, every car owner has to consider the damaging effect that the heat can have on a poorly serviced vehicle. The Factory Certified Technicians at Russell and Smith Mazda have assembled this this checklist that can save any driver time, expense, and headaches this summer.

An easy 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. It’s easy to forget to inflate the spare tire and check that the roadside tools (jack, lug-wrench, and wheel lock if necessary) are functional.

Next check that all of the fluids are topped off including radiator coolant, engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid and windshield washer fluid. Pay close attention to the HOT and COLD zones on the dipsticks and only fill to the correct line. There is no benefit to overfilling your fluids

Check that the battery is completely charged and the terminals are free of corrosion. Scorching summer heat will kill a car battery in no time and summertime humidity will lead to build-up on the battery terminals.

An oft-overlooked piece of safe summer driving is the condition of the windshield wipers. There should be no cracks and the metal clips should be clear of the glass surface. A new set of wiper blades costs around $20 and can really take the stress out of summer driving.

Once that is all complete check the serpentine belts for fissures and tension. A cyclical squeaking noise is the first warning sign of imminent belt failure. This belt typically runs the A/C compressor, alternator, and power steering so keeping a close watch on it can be the difference between a good running car and disaster.

If you are not mechanically inclined bring your car to Russell&Smith Mazda’s Service Department. Leave the work to the professionals. Using OEM parts in a professional shop staffed with factory certified technicians, Russell&Smith Mazda can provide 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.

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 Gurnee 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 Gurnee Ford’s Service Department. Trust the experts. Using OEM parts in a professional shop staffed with factory certified technicians, Gurnee 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.

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 Russell&Smith 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 Russell&Smith Ford’s Service Department. Trust the experts. Using OEM parts in a professional shop staffed with factory certified technicians, Russell&Smith 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.

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 Fair Oaks 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 Fair Oaks Ford’s Service Department. Trust the experts. Using OEM parts in a professional shop staffed with factory certified technicians, Fair Oaks 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.

With temperatures approaching extreme highs and no relief until fall, every car owner has to consider the damaging effect that the heat can have on a poorly serviced vehicle. The Honda Service team at the Houston Honda dealer have offered to share some advice that can save any car owner time, expense, and aggravation this summer driving season.

The obvious first step is to check the air pressure in the tires. 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 functional.

Next make sure all of the fluids are full including radiator fluid, motor oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid and windshield washer fluid. Pay close attention to the HOT and COLD level indicators and only fill to the proper line. Adding too much oil or fluids can damage sensitive engine components.

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

People often ignore shoddy windshield wipers until it is to late and they are in an unsafe driving condition. They should be free of cracks and the steel hooks should be clear of the windsheild surface. A new set of wiper blades can be had for $20 and can really take the worry out of summer driving.

Finally check the serpentine belts for fissures and tightness. A constant squeaking noise is the first 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 catastophe.

If you are not mechanically inclined bring your car to Russell&Smith Honda’s Service Department. Get your vehicle serviced by the pros. With their well-equipped shops, OEM parts and the factory certified technicians, Russell&Smith Honda can guarentee a fun and trouble-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.

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 King’s Colonial 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 King’s Colonial Ford’s Service Department. Trust the experts. Using OEM parts in a professional shop staffed with factory certified technicians, King’s Colonial 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.

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 Honda of Thousand Oaks 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 Honda of Thousand Oaks’s Service Department. Trust the experts. Using OEM parts in a professional shop staffed with factory certified technicians, Honda of Thousand Oaks 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.