For trouble-free summer, start with car care in spring

Although National Car Care Month is coming to a close, it's not too late to banish the winter blues and get ready to cruise this summer!

Indeed a quick and easy automotive checkup now can help you prepare your vehicle for the stress of summer's high temperatures and increase reliability on long road trips.

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The cold temperatures may be far behind us, but the summer heat can be just as hard on your car. So a few minutes today spent checking your car's vital components can help you enjoy a summer of trouble-free driving.

To prepare for warm-weather driving, have your car thoroughly inspected by a certified technician. At minimum, you or your technician should:

• Inspect antifreeze/coolant level and condition, making certain the proper 50/50 mixture of water and coolant is present.

• Check motor oil and condition. If driving under extreme conditions -- such as very hot temperatures -- switching to a motor oil with higher viscosity may be recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Always check the owner's manual for specific oil recommendations.

• Inspect and replace worn or cracked belts as well as worn, cracked, blistered, or soft radiator and heater hoses.

• Examine tires for uneven or excessive tread wear. Make sure all tires, including the spare, are inflated properly.

• Replace worn wiper blades.

• Check the air conditioning system. Some minor preventative maintenance can help restore the performance of your vehicle air conditioner.

• Hot weather can shorten the life of a car's battery, so weak or old batteries should be tested and replaced if necessary.

• Check fluid levels before, during and after a long road trip.

• Keep a log book of maintenance items and fuel economy. A sudden drop in fuel mileage could indicate mechanical problems.

• Once all this is completed, thoroughly wash your vehicle paying particular attention to the underside of the fenders where salt and sand accumulate and can rust away metal. Once the vehicle is clean a good waxing will help maintain your vehicle's appearance

For a complete inspection, take your car to a Sunoco Ultra Service Center today! Find one at http://www.sunoco.navisite.com/uscStores.html or visit the NASCAR Performance Network family of repair shops.