Winter has passed and temperatures are now approaching extreme highs and no relief in sight, every driver has to consider the negative effect that the heat can have on an unprepared vehicle. The service team at Russell and Smith Mazda have put together this checklist that can save any car owner time, expense, and headaches this summer driving season.

An easy first step is checking the tire pressure. Seasonal temperature changes affect tire pressures. Poor tire inflation affects ride quality and gas mileage; 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 working properly.

Next check that all of the fluids are full including radiator coolant, engine oil, transmission 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 battery terminals are corrosion-free. Scorching summer heat will drain a car battery quickly and summertime humidity can accelerate build-up on the battery terminals.

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 glass surface. A new set of wiper blades costs around $20 and can really take the fear out of summer driving.

Finally check the serpentine belts for cracks and tension. 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 a ruined summer.

If these tasks seem dauntings bring your car to Russell&Smith Mazda’s Service Department. Don’t trust amatuer mechanics. Using OEM parts in a professional shop staffed with factory certified technicians, Russell&Smith Mazda can insure a safe and trouble-free summer road trip. There are many possible pitfalls involved with summer driving, but with proper maintainance car trouble doesn’t have to be one of them.

Winter has passed and temperatures are now approaching extreme highs and no relief in sight, every driver has to consider the negative effect that the heat can have on an unprepared vehicle. The service team at Russell&Smith Ford have assembled this this checklist that can save any car owner time, expense, and headaches this summer.

The obvious first step is checking the tire pressure. Seasonal temperature changes affect tire pressures. Improper tire inflation affects ride smoothness and safety; remember that an over-inflated tire is just as potentially harmful 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 check that all of the fluids are full including radiator coolant, motor oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid and windshield washer fluid. Make sure to 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 battery 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.

An oft-overlooked piece of safe summer driving is the condition of the windshield wipers. They should be free of 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 cracks and tension. A repetitive squeaking is the early warning sign of impending 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 these tasks seem dauntings bring your car to Russell&Smith Ford’s Service Department. Don’t trust amatuer mechanics. With their well-equipped shops, OEM parts and the factory certified technicians, Russell&Smith Ford can guarentee a wonderful and problem-free summer vacation. 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.