Getting "Fueled-Up" For Summer Driving

As temperatures begin to rise, so does the anticipation of being able to drive with the windows down and the wind blowing in your hair during America's hottest season. Amid today's ever-changing fuel landscape, it is important for drivers to educate themselves about how to make smarter decisions for their vehicles-especially during the summer months. Car owners, it is time to get "fueled-up" for summer driving.

Cars, like their drivers, require proper maintenance and replenished fluids in order to be prepared for the sweltering summer heat. Lauren Fix, The Car Coach®, a nationally recognized automotive expert, shares some tips for consumers on how to keep their cars performing at their best throughout the summertime.

Inspect the cooling system. Prevent your car's engine from rapid overheating by inspecting its cooling system. Make sure to keep an eye on the coolant level-if low, refill using a 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze. If your antifreeze is dirty or weak, have your cooling system flushed at your local auto repair shop. Also, while you're there, have your auto technician test the cooling fan and thermostat for proper operation and repair or replace as needed.

Fill up with quality fuel. When at the pump, be sure to rejuvenate with a quality fuel such as Amoco Ultimate® premium fuel at BP. With continuous use, it can help clean-up dirty engines by cutting away deposits from intake valves. A cleaner engine can give your car better performance-ensuring less hesitation and smoother acceleration. It may even help improve your gas mileage for a more cost-efficient summer road trip.

Replenish fluids. Don't let your car dehydrate; make sure that all fluids are replenished accordingly. Remember to check and/or replace the transmission, brake, washer and power-steering fluids. All can be easily located by reviewing your owner's manual, or consulting your local auto technician for expert help.

Examine the AC system. The air temperature coming from the air conditioning ducts should be approximately 35 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. If not, you should have it inspected by a licensed AC repair facility or your local auto technician where they will inspect for leaks, repair them and recharge the system with the proper amount of Freon for your vehicle.

Change your oil more often. Start the season off with premium motor oil for maximum engine protection. This is especially important in the summer because hot weather requires extra lubrication for the engine.

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