Getting Your Car Ready For Warm Weather Driving Wednesday, March 1, 2006 10 10Tips For Getting Your Car Ready For Warm WeatherDriving (NAPSA)—The first warm weekend of the season traditionally triggers a symphonyof clean- ing products, vacuums and garden hoses. But while you might be in a specifically designed to protect your engine in hot weather, while optimizing your engine’s efficiency NEF %7. Check all fluids—In the winter months, fluids are easily depleted as your engine works harder in the colder weather. Make sure to check, top off or the outside. “The most critical areas to check after the harsh winter replace all fluids, including brake, transmission, coolant, power steer- monthsare enginefluids, radiator “MotorWeek” and Washington Post automotive columnist. “Adequately preparing these key areas of the car before the weather warms up will not only keep you safe while driving, they’ll help prevent costly repairs.” After battling months of snow, sleet and icy roads, your vehicle is undoubtedly in need of someseri- ous care. To make your spring trouble-free, follow this 10-point checklist for safety, dependability and fuel economy. 1. Remove your wintertires and rotate all-season radials— If you have winter tires, it’s time to store them away. If you don’t have winter tires, it’s equally important to have all-season tires rotated or switched out for new ing and windshield washerfluid. BRAKE CHEck—warning signs include excessive grinding, squealing, screeching or chatter. Wipers work hard over the winter months, wiping away dirt and debris on your windshield. Replace them in the spring before a shower makesit difficult to see. 4, Clean the underbody—In addition to washing the exterior, be sure to spray the underbody of your vehicle and underneath the rear and front bumpers to rinse away any salt build-up, which can lead to erosion and rusting. Use a high-pressure sprayer or garden hose for best results. 5. Apply a protectant—Any vinyl surface, such as the seats and the steering wheel, is suscep- ones. tible to cracking, sun damage, and fading—so be sure to apply a pro- tering winter, be sure to check your brakes. Warning signs include excessive grinding, 6. Change your oil—Give some thought to the kind of motor 2. Brake check—Aftera blis- squealing, screeching or chatter. 3. Wiper blades check— (For more information about Mobil 1, go to www.mobiloil.com.) hurry to put a shine on your vehicle, i's equally important to make sure it’s ready for the warm weather on the inside as well as hoses, belts, tires and brakes,” says Pat Goss, host of PBS’ and reducing oil consumption. tectant at the beginning of the season and touch-up regularly. oil you have in your engine. Fully synthetic oils, such as Mobil 1, are 8. Pressure test—Assess the pressure of the cooling system, and examine belts and hoses for wearor deterioration. 9. Interior clean-up—Vacuum and be sure to throw away any unwanted garbage that has hibernated under your seats over the winter. Now is also the timeto store your winter car mats in the garage. 10. Wash your car—All vehicles regardless of the finish (clear coat, acrylic, enamel, etc.) require regular washing throughout the year. To preserve your car’s shine and protect the surface, wax your vehicle once it has dried completely. “The warm weather is here—so be sure to follow these simple tips to ensure vehicle dependability in the warm months ahead,” says Goss. “By taking care of your vehicle, it will more likely take care of you. Andit will do it for a lot less money.” For more information on vehicle maintenance, visit www.mobiloil.com. --- PHOTOS --- File: 20190730-132635-20190730-132632-67899.pdf.jpg --- FILES --- File: 20190730-132632-67899.pdf