Published: June 11, 2009 03:51 pm      

Officials remind motorists a well-kept auto is a happy auto

By Cristin Ross

cross@jacksonvilleprogress.com

Temperatures are rising, vacations are getting planned, yep, it’s summertime again.

That means drivers should think about doing some preventative maintenance so the family’s wheels can make it through another summer.

Heat destroys batteries and stresses the cooling system and tires. The Car Care Council and local mechanics recommend these components be checked periodically during summer to help avoid breakdowns.

“A properly maintained vehicle is safer and more dependable and will even save a few dollars at the gas pumps,” said the Car Care Council’s Executive Director, Rich White.

Most important to any vehicle in any season is regular and timely oil changes. Harley Swearengin, a technician at the Kwik Lube station in Rusk, recommends using synthetic motor oil in cars.

“Synthetic oils don’t lose viscosity as fast as other oils, which means there’s less friction and oil break-down inside the engine,” Swearengin explained. “These types of oils were developed for use in turbo jet engines that turn 50,000 rpm (rotations per minute). That means they’re going to work pretty well in a car motor turning 4,000 rpm.”

Swearengin added synthetic oils can extend the lives of high-mileage engines, as well.

Drivers also want to make sure the car’s engine is kept cool.

“Heat is an engine’s worst enemy,” said Steve Causey, a mechanic at Bacon Auto Country in Jacksonville. “It can do some strange things to a motor — build pressure enough to blow the gaskets, cause internal parts to fail.”

The cooling system works harder during hot weather to prevent overheating of the engine. Most engines typically run between 195 and 210 degrees F. Adding coolant to the water in the radiator disperses engine heat more efficiently. The coolant and water mixture for a vehicle’s radiator should be half water and half coolant.

“Remember to never mix the green ethylene glycol coolant with the red Dex-Cool coolant,” Causey warned. “They do not work together.”

Causey recommends flushing the cooling system and replacing the coolant at least once every year to help prevent corrosion inside the system and to assure the coolant has the proper boiling point and protection. The radiator hoses and drive belts that turn the water pump should also be checked for cracks, bulges or frayed edges.

As a reminder, never open a hot radiator cap when checking the coolant level in the reservoir.

Tires also need special care in warmer weather as high temperatures put added stress on them.

Summer heat causes the air pressure within a tire to rise, therefore, it’s important to check the pressure when tires are cold — before you start driving on them.

To maximize tire life and safety — and to maximizes fuel efficiency — check the tire condition and inflation pressure monthly, and have the tires rotated every 6,000 miles.

The owner’s manual includes the recommended air pressure for your vehicle’s tires.

“It takes very little time and money to make sure your car runs properly during summer, and although breakdowns happen, they can definitely be minimized by taking a few extra preventive maintenance steps,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For a copy of the council’s Car Care Guide or for more information, visit www.carcare.org.