5 Maintenance Tips to Make it Through Long, Hot Trips

Posted 6/7/2011 11:28:00 AM
Source: By Dee-Ann Durbin
The Associated Press

Winter driving, with its icy roads and salt buildup, can be tough on cars. But summer has its hazards, too. The heat stresses the engine, wears down the tires and makes the car work harder to keep everything cool.

Here are five steps to help your car make it through any summer road trips.

1. Be kind to your engine.
Car engines can get hot very quickly in the summer. You can save a lot of trouble -- and expense -- by doing some routine checks to make sure your engine stays lubricated and cooled. Check the oil level and make sure the oil looks clean. If it doesn't, get an oil change. Also look for cracks in the hoses, which pump coolant from the radiator to the engine block.


2. Replace your fluids.
Many drivers don't think about fluids beyond their motor ...