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Summerize your car

Before St. Louis' hot days arrive, get your car ready for summer. Whether your summer plans include a drive to the lake or just to the corner store, your car will thank you. A little maintenance now will keep you on the road this summer, not waiting along the roadside for assistance.

Lauren Fix's guide to loving your car : everything you need to know to take charge of your car and get on with your life
Lauren Fix.
New York : St. Martin's Griffin, 2008.
  1. Includes bibliographical references and index.
  2. What's the best car out there for you? -- Now, what about insurance, warranties, and roadside assistance? -- Let's hit the road! -- "What if...?": how to handle emergencies -- How to talk with your car technician -- Do it yourself -- Love the shine, not the grime -- Personalize your ride.
     
The Garage Girl's guide to everything you need to know about your car
Courtney Hansen ; foreword by Jerry Hansen.
Nashville, Tenn. : Cumberland House Pub., c2007.
Hansen provides tips for proper car care in this guide from preventive maintenance to keeping an auto in top form.
     
Auto upkeep : basic car care, maintenance, and repair
Michael E. Gray and Linda E. Gray.
New Windsor, Md. : Rolling Hills Pub., c2007.
Includes index.
     
The garage girl's guide to everything you need to know about your car
Courtney Hansen.
Nashville, Tenn. : Cumberland House, c2006.
Hansen provides tips for proper car care in this guide from preventive maintenance to keeping an auto in top form.
     
Every woman's quick & easy car care : a worry-free guide to car troubles, trials & travels
Bridget Kachur.
North Adams, Mass. : Storey Books, c2002.
Great for new drivers, those who want to learn more about the inner workings of an automobile, and any woman who's ever been stuck on the road with a broken car, this user-friendly guide is the perfect glove compartment resource. Two color. Illustrations throughout. Copyright #169; Libri GmbH. All rights reserved.
     

Hot weather is hard on cars. When underhood temperatures are extreme, parts can become brittle and crack. As temperatures increase fluids quickly break down, battery life is shortened and tire pressure can drop. All of these compromise safety and lessen gasoline mileage. They increase the likelihood of higher repair costs.

The best way to prevent these problems is to schedule a seasonal inspection with a qualified technician before summer begins. The technician can:

  • Check the air conditioning and cooling systems
  • Inspect belts, filters, and hoses
  • Rotate and align tires
  • Replace wipers blades
  • Check headlights and turn signals
  • Test brakes

If you breakdown

Come to a slow stop
Signal your intentions
Pull car to a safe place
Do not stand next to car
Raise your hood
Turn on the flashers

Even the best maintained cars will sometimes break down. Be prepared by keeping an eye on your car's lights and gauges, bringing along water, taking your cell phone, and never leaving a child or pet in an unattended car.

Each summer there are over 7 million car breakdowns. Preparing your car for summer can prevent this happening to you. Take care of your automobile and it will take care of you.

Article by: St. Louis Public Library staff