How to get your car ready for summer!

Blog Post by Madison D’Angelo
June 3rd, 2013

Summer is coming and so are family vacations! Here are some tips from Budds’ Chevrolet on ensuring you and your vehicle are ready… Stick to the rules of SUMMERTIME!

S : Service in Advance
If there are any repairs that need to be done on your vehicle, do them well in advance. This way, there is time incase problems related to the repair arise.

U : Unpack Before Packing
Clear our your car completely. Remove any extra items you won’t need for the trip, and clear out all the garbage. This will get you feeling fresh for the vacation, and keep your car as light as possible. Remember- lighter car, better gas mileage!

M : Mind the Oil
Check the oil level. Call your service center and find out the last time your car had an oil and filter change.

M : Mind the Coolant
One of the biggest causes of break downs is related to engines overheating. Check the coolant levels and clear out any leaves, dust, or bugs that may be lurking in the radiator.

E : Emergency Kit
Keep some emergency items in the trunk. A jumper cable, first aid kit, flashlight, batteries, a blanket, even toilet paper! It’s better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it! Also, don’t forget the glove box. Make sure you have your license, ownership, insurance, and a copy of the owner’s manual just in case.

R : Refill
Fill up the gas tank before you go. It will probably be cheaper than having to find somewhere on the road or in an unfamiliar place.

T : Tires
Check your tires out pretty thoroughly. Do they look worn? Consider getting new ones. Check the pressure, low pressure can lead to a blowout from heat buildup, but proper tire pressure will get you better gas mileage. If you will be doing a lot of driving, or driving on rough terrain, it might be a good idea to have the wheels aligned. Don’t forget to check the spare tire and make sure you have all the tools needed to put it on!

I : Inspect
Doing a quick, two minute investigation of your gas cap could save you hours of stress down the road. A gas cap that is damaged, cracked, or simply not put on properly will not be airtight and will cause your “Check Engine” light to come on.

M : Map

Yes, we all have GPS systems or maps on our phones. But it is always a good idea to have a map; you never know when you could run out of battery or lose reception! One idea is to buy a road atlas of wherever you’re headed. Driving for hours can be tiring, but it’s much more fun to break it up by stopping to see sights along the way which you would normally miss if you took the most direct route!

E : ENJOY!