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What Colorado Drivers Should Know Before Hitting the Road on Summer Vacations
Jiffy Lube's Tips for Trips Offers Expert Advice to Keep Your Car in Top Shape
DENVER, Aug. 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Think you do a good job of maintaining your vehicle for road trips? Think again. Most people don't know how to prepare their car for the strain of a lengthy car trip, says Alan Lamberti, spokesman for the Denver area Jiffy Lube locations. And if your car is more than five years old, it's time for a thorough check.
With summer vacations now adding to the wear and tear on vehicles, Jiffy Lube offers the following tips for Colorado drivers and car owners:
Check the levels of all the car's vital fluids, Lamberti says -- including motor oil, radiator fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield wiper fluid. Motor oil, in particular, should be changed regularly, since it keeps the moving parts in your engine from grinding against each other.
Lamberti recommends keeping a gallon of water in the trunk of the vehicle. If it starts to overheat, pouring the water into the radiator will help to temporarily cool it down until full-service attention is available.
Equally important is an emergency kit for the trunk of the car, to include: first aid supplies, jumper cables, a flashlight, fresh batteries, flares, basic tools, duct tape, gloves, and a mobile phone.
Not surprisingly, Lamberti says that over time, dirt, bugs and leaves can collect in front of a car's radiator and interfere with the cooling system. Spraying the radiator grill with a hose will help to remove debris and allow air to flow freely.
Checking tire pressure and tread wear is another important tip. The penny test will show you if it's time for a tire to be replaced. Place a penny in between two of the treads -- if you can see all of Abe Lincoln's head, the tire should be changed.
Finally, make sure the car's headlights, tail lights, turn signals, parking lights, and license plate lights are all working. Replace any that may have burned out. Make sure wiper blades are in good condition.
"It's no fun being stranded on the road," says Lamberti. "Taking the time for a thorough check before you head out will save money and headaches."
Source: Jiffy Lube
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