5 Tips to Keep Your Car Driving Smoothly This Summer

1. Check Your Tires
Before hitting the road this summer, you can take several simple precautions to keep your family safe and save money at the pump. Did you know that under-inflated, over-inflated, worn down or misaligned tire can be extremely dangerous, particularly in hot summer weather? Use the penny trick to see if you still have enough tread on your tires. Stick a penny in the tread, and if Lincoln's head disappears, you're good. If your tires are not up to par, come in to see us and we will get you rolling in a new, SAFE set of tires.

2. Change Oil and Oil Filter
Is the summer heat making you thirsty? Your car could use a drink, too. Oil keeps hardworking engine parts running clean, smooth and cool. Most owners’ manuals suggest that you change your oil and oil filter every 7,500 miles (12,070 kilometers). Most of us do a lot of heavy driving during the summer when an engine is more likely to overheat so check your oil before you head out on that road trip with the family. To check your oil, let your car run for a few minutes, then park it on a level surface and shut off the engine. Open the hood and locate the oil dipstick. You're looking for two things: the level of oil and how the oil looks. If you're low on oil, you can either add another quart or change the oil completely. The oil should look brownish yellow and clean on the stick. If the oil is a dark color or there's a lot of dirt and grime in it, then you definitely need an oil change and oil filter replacement.

3. Check Hoses and Belts
The hoses connected to the radiator help pump coolant to and from the engine block, and the belts run the fan that helps cool the system further. If the hoses crack or the belts snap, the radiator will quickly overheat, leaving you stranded. Check hoses for cracks, leaks and loose connections. Hoses should be firm, never soft and malleable. The most vulnerable parts of the hose are those nearest to clamps where the hose connects to the radiator or the engine. Belts can also be visually checked for cracks and damage. Take note if the belt looks excessively slick or smooth. Remove the belt to make sure that the material hasn't started separating into different layers.

4. Check Your Brakes
Your brakes are the single most important safety feature on your car. Don't put yourself or your family at risk this summer by riding around on worn down or faulty brakes.Brakes need to be replaced when the lining on your brake pad or brake shoe is worn down. You can have your brake linings checked at any normal service shop or at a brake specialist.

 

Here are some signs that your brakes need to be checked:

• Your brake pedal becomes very soft and mushy
• Your brake pedal is very hard and resistant
• Your brake pedal rests too low or too high
• Indication or warning lights on the dashboard
• Loud and constant scraping and grinding sounds coming from the brakes

5. Check The Cooler and Radiator
The summertime is tough on cooling systems. Sitting in traffic on a hot day is one of the quickest ways to overheat your car. This is because there's no air flowing across the engine to help keep it cool. Check under the hood and make sure that your coolant levels are fine. The general rule is to flush your radiator and add new coolant at least every two years. Flushing the radiator is done with a special chemical that cleans debris and build-up on the inside of the radiator. For summer driving, coolant should be added as a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water. You can even buy premixed coolant so you don't have to bother with the measurements. If you see a small puddle of coolant under your car when it's been parked for a while, then you have a coolant leak. Take it to the service station as soon as you can to get your system checked out.

How to Prepare for a Storm

Preparing for the Unavoidable Hurricanes and Tropical Storms

It’s summer time and the sun is shining! We hope you are enjoying the gorgeous weather and the afternoon showers, to cool you off! Unfortunately, along with the gorgeous summer months we have to be prepared for the horrid tropical storms and the chance of dealing with hurricanes/tornadoes.  Even if they don’t hit Tallahassee, you could be traveling and end up in a city where they do hit. The Atlantic hurricane season is officially from June 1^st to November 30^Th. There is nothing magical in these dates, and hurricanes have occurred outside of these six months, but these dates were selected to encompass over 97% of tropical activity. We want everyone to be safe, and prepared for these storms ahead of time.

 Ways to make sure you’re prepared for Hurricane/Storm season:

v  Be Informed

o   Stay updated with the news via TV, radio, newspaper, or Internet and be sure to keep watch on the exact path of the hurricane/storm. The hurricane could take a turn at any time so staying updated is very important.

v  Plan and Know the Escape/Evacuation Route

o   As a hurricane/tropical storm approaches, things may get pretty hectic. The roads may be packed with people doing last minute preparations. It's going to be tough getting through traffic when you really don't know where you're going. Be prepared ahead of time. Study the evacuation route in your area. Make sure everyone in your family knows the route. Visit the National

v  Protect Your Home

o   The wind bands during a hurricane or a tropical storm winds can get very strong. If necessary, be sure to board up your windows. Also, pick up lawn furniture, garden tools, or any other heavy objects in your yard. When the winds pick up, these items could be flying around damaging your home or killing someone.

v  Fill Up Your Gas Tanks

o   As the hurricane or storm passes through, there could be many power outages and gas shortages. Getting a full tank along with a spare gas can is very important. It may be a day, two days, or even a week for everything to start coming back again.

v  Water, Water, Water!

o   Water is an essential. After a storm, the water supply might be down. Keeping lots and lots of water available will help you and your family stay hydrated and cool, especially if the power might be out. It can get pretty hot and humid. Make sure you have enough to last you a couple weeks.

v  Battery Operated Radios, Extra Batteries, Flashlights, First Aid Kits, and Extra Clothes

o   These are very important to have. They will aid you after a damaging storm. The battery operated radio will keep you informed while the flashlight will guide you in the darkened night. Extra clothes will always come in handy.

v  Lots of Non-Perishable Foods

o   Non-Perishable foods are foods that won't spoil even without refrigeration. If there are major damages in your area, most likely there won't be power, nor will the stores and restaurants be open. So keep a lot of non-perishable foods like canned foods and packaged foods available. Make sure that there is enough to last you a week or two.

v  Keep Extra Cash

o   The banks may be closed and the ATMs may be down. Even if the stores are open, their credit card machines may also be down, so keep some cash just in case you might need it.

v  Seek a Shelter

o   The newscasters will announce the available shelters in your area. If a hurricane is coming right over your path, I would strongly recommend you to seek shelter. Wanting to stay home to watch over your house is not worth risking your life. Even if your home is damage, at least you and your family will be safe.

Stay safe this summer and make sure to be prepared for whatever comes your way. Don’t mess around with storms or hurricanes, they’re very dangerous and can cause a lot of damage. We hope everyone has safe travels and an awesome summer. Remember, we wanna see ya in a KIA!