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7 Car Care Tips for Safe Summer Travel           #carcare  #ActonMA

5/24/2016

25 Comments

 
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Summer is around the corner in Acton MA & Middlesex West Boston.  Planning a summer vacation or road-trip to the White Mountains of NH (up the Mount Washington Auto Road (pictured)), Cape Cod, Maine or beyond?
Is your car road-trip ready?  Sal’s Auto & Truck Repair Acton MA recommends having your car checked out by a trusted local mechanic a week or more before your trip to keep you safe on the road this summer season!  

With summer weather, it's time to roll down your windows and really ‘listen to your car’ or have someone else drive it to check out any car noises (you may be used to) to prevent a bigger problem down (or on) the road.  Sal's Auto performs a Complimentary 60 point vehicle inspection with every service! Call Sal’s Auto & Truck Repair Acton MA for an appointment!  Check our Sal's Auto Seasonal Car Care Specials.
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A properly maintained car gets you where you want to go, and saves you money getting there. If you are planning to travel by car this summer season, take steps to avoid ending up on the side of the road. Make sure your car is in good shape so it won’t break down. 

Here are 7 Tips for Safe Summer Car Travel courtesy of Money Talk News: 
1. Radiator
Overheating is the No. 1 cause of summer breakdowns, says the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Make sure your radiator is adequately filled with coolant at the right concentration — usually a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze, but check your car’s specifications.  Make sure your gauge doesn’t register too hot to avoid engine damage.
2. Hoses
Your coolant is only as good as the hoses it flows through. Look for leaks, cracks, peeling or separation. If the hose is spongy or soft in even one section, consider replacing it before it fails and causes bigger problems.
3. Oil
The hotter the weather gets, the more important oil becomes. Oil helps prevent overheating by lubricating many moving parts. However, oil additives break down over time.
  • Oil change recommendations are as frequent as every 3,000 miles, but makers of many modern cars say to wait until a maintenance-reminder light brightens your dashboard.
  • According to the Car Care Council:  having to only change your oil every 7,500 miles is something we would all prefer, 3,000 to 5,000 miles are numbers more representative of actual driving conditions. By erring on the side of caution, you’ll help to extend the life of your car.
  • Check your oil between changes and add a quart or two of your car manufacturer’s recommended grade, if needed.
4. Battery
Hot weather can strain a battery. Test the battery if it’s more than 3 years old or if you see one of these telltale signs of a failing battery:
  • Lights dim at starting
  • Power drain when turning on the air conditioning
  • Slow cranking when you start the car
5. Air conditioning
A marginally operating air-conditioning system may fail in hot weather, says the ASE. Put a thermometer in your car’s vent while the air conditioner is running and see how cool the air is getting.  If it’s not cooling properly, you may try replacing cabin air filters that clean the air entering the heating and air-conditioning system in newer cars. Check your owner’s manual for location and how often they should be replaced.
However, if your air-conditioning system is suffering from a bigger problem — like a leak or loss of refrigerant — it’s likely time for a mechanic.
6. Tires
Your four tires offer a critical connection to the road, says the Car Care Council. Check them at least monthly. Low tire pressure adds rolling resistance, making it harder for the engine to move your car.
  • Proper tire pressure, which should be posted on your car door, improves gas mileage by 3.3 percent, or about 10 cents a gallon, the council says.
  • Under-inflation stresses a tire’s internal fabric and steel cord so they flex beyond designed limits and lose their bond to the rubber. The result can be a blowout.
  • Don’t wait for your car’s tire pressure monitoring system to light up, as it may be too late to save the tire. Instead, check air pressure when the tires are cool — summer weather and friction can cause the pressure inside to rise, giving you a false sense of security.
  • Also, check the tire tread by inserting a penny: If you can see all of Abraham Lincoln’s head, it’s time for new tires. If tires look unevenly worn, have your wheel balance and alignment checked.
7.  Other Tips to Get Your Car Road Ready for Summer  
  • Consider a tuneup. Fouled spark plugs cause the engine to lose power or misfire, wasting fuel and lowering gas mileage. However, check your owner’s manual before scheduling a tuneup. Many newer cars don’t require a tuneup for more than 100,000 miles.
  • Check the brakes. If you notice pulsations, grabbing, noises or longer stopping distances when braking, it’s time for repairs.
  • Change the wipers. Windshield wipers deteriorate faster in sunny weather. If you get caught in a summer shower, you want to be able to see where you’re going. Many auto parts stores offer free installation when you buy new wiper blades.
  •  Wash and wax. Sunlight, UV radiation, acid rain, salt, dirt and air pollution can damage your car’s exterior. Protect the paint and finish by washing and waxing your car regularly.
  • Keep a safety kit. In case your car does break down, be prepared with supplies, including water for yourself and the radiator, jumper cables, a flashlight and batteries, and a first-aid kit.

The right car maintenance can save you time and money and keep you traveling safely on the road this summer!   
25 Comments
Charles from Milton Insurance link
7/12/2016 02:23:45 pm

Hey, thanks for the post. I've been wondering about the right time to change oil - is it actually the 3,000 - 5,000 miles that are typically in the manual, or is that just a ruse to get you to come back to the dealership? I don't want to ruin my engine by waiting too long but I also don't want to waste money if it isn't necessary. I assume the insurance rate will increase if I end up damaging the engine.

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Sal Panetta link
7/13/2016 12:20:15 pm

Thanks for asking about the timing of Oil Change Service. Sal's Auto & Truck Repair Acton MA does recommend more frequent Oil Change Service about every 3,000 to 5,000 miles to keep your engine running smooth and efficient--especially if you plan to keep your car for a long time. Each vehicle is different so check your manual for recommended maintenance. At Sal's Auto we use a premium high quality oil to keep your engine running smooth. Stay tuned for more tips and information about Oil Changes from Sal's Auto & Truck Repair!

Sal's Auto is certified to perform auto warranty maintenance & fleet car repairs which often require regular scheduling of oil change and service. We suggest checking with your insurance company directly about any special auto related insurance discounts.

Another advantage to more frequent Car Oil Change service Service is keeping your vehicle safe and saving money down the road on car repairs. Sal's performs a complimentary 60 point vehicle safety inspection with any service. It's also valuable to address minor car maintenance issues before they become major!

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Sarah Smith link
9/21/2016 11:18:13 am

I just got a truck and want to make sure I keep it up to date. Getting your oil changed every 5000 miles seems like a good idea. It would also be smart to get any repairs done by a licensed professional.

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Cole Gray link
3/4/2017 02:29:00 am

Summer time is usually a travel time. But before going for a long drive, it is our primary responsibility to check our car thoroughly. All 7 summer maintenance tips that you have mentioned in your article are quite useful. I found radiator, hoses and tire pressure check up were more useful. Apart from these everyone should take proper care of exterior of car by washing it regularly with the help of wax which is another useful note in your article. I want to tell another point that inspect lights and bulbs, clean the dirt from all the lenses and replace burned out bulbs before driving. I will try to follow all the tips to keep my Volkswagen in a smooth running condition.

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Boston Airport Car link
3/23/2017 03:13:46 am

Hi, your article is very useful with all amazing tips for safe and comfortable car travel for summer vacation.

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Stephen Smith link
4/3/2017 06:25:04 am

Ya, it is a fact that warmer months present some challenges to the personal transportation and maintenance. Ya, summer can be tough on cars, particularly in high temperatures when heat can destroy batteries, stress the cooling systems and tires. As a precaution, each and every component of car should be checked periodically during the summer in order to avoid unnecessary car breakdowns. Well, after going through your blog I have earned enough knowledge regarding car maintenance during the hot summer. I think your blog contains almost every thing that is required for car maintenance during the summer. So, I want to tell that everyone should keep all the above in mind before going for a long road trip during summer vacation.

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Salem NH link
5/3/2017 05:59:25 pm

Summer is coming once again. time to get the cars ready for the warm weather and out enjoying New England. Cant wait to get my summer car out and drive with the top down.

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neel patel link
6/3/2017 05:14:33 am

If you are planning to go out in summer than have a look on this blog.
it is just for you. Car care tips are given for safe summer traveling.

thanks for the tips :)

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Noah Carter link
6/23/2017 09:11:40 am

A properly maintained car gets you wherever you wish to go and if you plan to explore the places then be ready for tough summer season. Summer time is usually comes with lot of uneasiness and for car, it is reckon to be a season where you need to take precaution for your car better lifespan. Measure up the tire condition, changing the engine oil regularly and keep the battery in prime condition. All these big factors are instrumental in setting up your desire tour more exciting. I hope car owner has done the exact way to get the maximum positive results specially in summer time. Nice blog to appreciate and highly applicable tips.

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Gordon Miller link
7/24/2017 04:43:44 am

Find basic car maintenance tips, advice and a maintenance schedule to help your car perform at its best. Thanks for the post.

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Daniel layman link
11/10/2017 06:59:21 am

If you don't want your car to show problem when you are in a long drive, then you have to take care of your car at a regular interval. Before going for a long drive, you should have find out everything is fine with your car or not and if possible you should to take your car to the servicing center to find out whether there is any major problem or not. Temperature can reach it's peak point during the summer season. So emergency kit should be kept in order to fix any possible damage. If your battery is two to three years old and showing problems then either repair it or replace it. Tire pressure and tire tread including the spare should be checked and if damaged should be replaced. And emergency kit should be taken, which could be helpful during emergency. I have had a bad experience during a long road trip, and don't want any other person to face the same problem as I had faced. Thank you for such a helpful post.

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Wesley Bates link
1/16/2018 08:08:27 am

Seasonal maintenance is important for every car. In the summer season special care is needed for every car. Overheating is the main cause of summer breakdown. So at this time the radiator must be completely filled with the coolant at the appropriate concentration, usually at 1:1 concentration of water & antifreeze. Oil is the most important thing in the hot weather. Oil helps to prevent overheating by lubricating many moving parts. If the battery is more than 3 years old, it must be checked. The tire pressure must be maintained at the correct level.

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Anna Lincolin link
1/31/2018 07:58:15 am

Air condition is most common need during summer season. If you have faulty Air Conditioner it can be most problematic to diagnosis. Some regular tips about AC maintenance is Run your A/C regularly ,Check your refrigerant level, another one is trouble shooting and repair. The common issue if your AC is not properly working you get insufficient amount of cool air. When you take your vehicle for servicing be sure to check your AC Refrigerant level. Having the right quantity of refrigerant in the system is important in keeping your AC System working properly. If your Refrigerant level is low it indicates your poor lubrication and poor lubrication causes system failure.

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Kristen Brown
2/22/2018 03:30:10 am

If we are going on a long drive during summer,we must make our car ready for the summer road trip. If we keep our car in a properly maintained condition, then we will be escaped from any type of summer breakdown. Hot weather can affect the battery of the car. If the car battery is more than three years old we must check it and if any telltale signs occur in the battery then we have to replace it. That telltale signs include lights dimming at starting,slow cranking while starting the car etc. Overheating is one of the major cause of summer breakdown. We should check whether the radiator is adequately filled with the coolant at the right proportion or not. Oil is most important thing for lubrication of different parts of the engine. It helps to prevents overheating. So <a href="https://www.star-motors.com/">regular oil change</a> is recommended during hot summer.

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Temecca Martin link
3/29/2018 06:22:38 am

To travel safely during summer, some car care tips must be followed. Overheating is the main cause of summer breakdown. So to avoid overheating, we must completely fill the radiator with coolant in the right concentration that is 1:1 concentration of water & antifreeze. Hot weather affects the battery also. If the battery is more than 3 years old or it shows any of the bad signs such as lights dimming at start, slow cranking while starting the car, power drain when turning on the air conditioning etc. we must replace it. Oil is more important during hot weather. It helps to lubricate different moving parts of the engine. Tire pressure must be maintained at the correct level.

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Laytoya Thomas link
4/13/2018 06:06:39 am

To travel safely during summer, some car care tips must be followed. The function of oil is very much important during hot summer. Oil helps to avoid overheating by lubricating different moving parts of the engine. It is generally recommended to change the oil every 3,000 miles. But modern car manufacturers tell us to wait until the maintenance-reminder light is seen in the dashboard. Hot weather can affect a battery also. If battery is more than 3 years old or some tel tale signs appear in it then we must replace it. Radiator must be adequately filled with coolant in the appropriate concentration of 1:1 of water & antifreeze.

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Samantha Smith link
5/16/2018 09:25:53 am

Summer season is the best time for traveling. But before leaving for a long road trip, we must check thoroughly different parts of the car, whether they are functioning properly or not. If any of the parts found to be damaged, we must repair it at a certified auto repair shop. At this time to avoid overheating we must completely fill the radiator with the coolant at appropriate concentration of water & antifreeze.
Car battery is also affected by extreme hot weather. If the battery is more than 3 years old or shows any bad signs we have to replace it.

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Callie Marie link
8/29/2018 07:50:43 pm

It is a good idea to change your oil every 3,000 miles, especially in hot weather. I'm going on a road trip up the west coast this year, and I want to make sure my car is prepared. I plan on taking it in for a safety check so I know what maintenance needs to be done.

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Emanualonline Review link
10/8/2018 05:13:33 am

I read your blog.Such a nice blog.Thanks for sharing with us.

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Emanualonline link
10/30/2018 11:38:09 pm

This is the best blog who love to read blogs. It is very informative and a valuable source for all. Even the Emanualonline also provide the services of the car repair and services manual for the industry vehicle. Workshop manuals are includes the services of car repair, Haynes manuals cars, motorbikes, trucks, marines and ATV vehicles etc.

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Camille Devaux link
11/9/2018 07:56:59 pm

I was talking to a friend the other day about her interest in getting bus repairs. It might be a good idea for her to get a professional to look at it. She would love knowing that this is good since tuneups are good for her vehicle.

Reply
Emanualonline Reviews link
11/27/2018 07:05:50 am

This is great article with the valuable source. It is informative who love to reads the blogs. Even the Emanualonline Reviews supplies a practical repair manuals and services manual including automotive maintenance, motorbikes, cars etc. It offers the renovation and service measures for many vehicles including maintenance.

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Bree Ward link
3/13/2019 11:55:47 pm

I agree that it's always best if you assess your car first for any possible trouble before you go with your summer road trip. My brother didn't bother to do this when he went to a travel spree last week. Now his car's brake and AC is malfunctioning. He is now looking for an auto repair shop who can fix it for him.

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Sam Li link
7/9/2019 12:29:30 pm

Fixing a truck can be complicated, so it's important to leave it to professionals that have access to the necessary tools. You made a great point when you said to test the battery in your vehicle before it gets too old. My friend wants to get his truck worked on ASAP, so I'll help him find the best auto service in the area.

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Ron Booker link
7/16/2019 12:25:50 pm

I like how you said that hoses play an important role in your car liquids. My car is starting to make some weird noises in the radiator. I think I need to check out for any leaks or clogs. Thank you for the tips on car repair services.

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    At Sal’s Auto & Truck Repair, our ASE Certified mechanics not only maintain your vehicles, we educate you on ways to keep your vehicles running so they are safe, reliable and more eco friendly (saving green --- gas and money) on the road.  

    Enjoy and share Sal's Car Care & Safe Travel Tips!   

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