MEMPHIS, Tenn., Aug. 8, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- This time of year finds many Americans enjoying a summer vacation; but that doesn't mean it's time to take a vacation from regular car maintenance. In fact, neglecting your vehicle during the extreme summer weather could be costly. Follow these simple tips from AutoZone (NYSE:AZO) to help keep your car on the road this season.
Check the coolant level and inspect the radiator cap
Wait until the engine is cool before unscrewing the radiator cap. If the rubber gasket inside the cap is cracked or brittle, replace the cap. Top off the coolant at the overflow reservoir, not at the radiator. If your antifreeze is more than a couple of years old, play it safe and flush and fill your cooling system before your trip.
Inspect your radiator hoses
Wait until engine is cool before making sure hose clamps are tight. Additionally, check the ends for cracks or corrosion. Because extreme heat can cause leaks and other damage, keep an eye out for hard, blistered or spongy hoses. If any of these warning signs are present, replace the hoses immediately.
Inspect your fan belts
Check belts for cracks, wear, glazing and proper tension. A worn or loose belt can cause the engine to overheat. It's also a good idea to keep spare belts in your trunk, especially if your vehicle has a single serpentine or multi-v belt. If this belt fails, you're stuck.
Inspect your battery
Winter weather often gets the blame for battery failure, but it's the summer heat that does the most damage to a battery. If corrosion is present, clean it with a mixture of baking soda and water, and put on a set of battery washers to keep corrosion from coming back. Top any low battery cells with distilled water. Make sure the battery terminals and hold downs are tight. Finally, you'll want to have the battery tested; your local AutoZone can test your battery for free.
Test your starting and charging system
Excessive underhood temperatures can also short-circuit your car's starter and alternator. That's why it's a great idea to take your car to AutoZone or to a local service technician for a starting and charging system test. It can help you spot potential problems with your starter, alternator, and battery before they cause trouble down the road.
Maximize performance and gas mileage
Rough idle, engine hesitation and declining fuel economy are often due to fuel system deposits. Adding a fuel system cleaner to your gas tank after every oil change (every three months or 3,000 miles for most drivers) removes deposits and restores engine performance and fuel economy.
Remember, always wear safety goggles when working on your car or truck. They are available at AutoZone.
For more tips on how to maintain your car this summer, stop by your local AutoZone store, or visit us on the web at www.autozone.com.
About AutoZone:
As of May 7, 2005, AutoZone sells auto and light truck parts, chemicals and accessories through 3,505 AutoZone stores in 48 states plus the District of Columbia in the U.S. and 73 AutoZone stores in Mexico and also sells the ALLDATA brand diagnostic and repair software. On the web, AutoZone sells diagnostic and repair information and auto and light truck parts through www.autozone.com.
The AutoZone logo is available at: http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1759