Summer car care tips: keep your cool, your cash and possibly save gas if you follow these suggestions

Ebony, May, 2007

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM SERVICE EXPERTS THAT WORK

OIL AND FILTER Engine oil and oil filter should be changed regularly and especially before a long trip. The service technician should also check the coolant, brakes, automatic transmission, windshield wipers and power-steering fluids.

TIRES Have the tires rotated if they haven't been within the last 7,500 miles.

* Replace any unevenly worn or damaged tires. Also check and adjust the tire pressure according to the owner's manual and the placard in the car door.

WIPERS Replace worn wiper blades and keep plenty of washer solvent on hand to clear dust and insects.

COOLING SYSTEM Frequently check hose connections for leaks, damage or looseness. Finding out on the first hot day that the air conditioning is out isn't fun. Experts recommend running the AC system for 10-15 minutes at least once a week during the winter months to circulate refrigerant as well as lubricating oil inside the compressor.

* Watch for cold vapors from air conditioning outlets that may indicate low refrigerant levels.

* Check for good airflow at air conditioning outlets.

BRAKES Have a licensed brake adjuster inspect your brake pads and linings for wear.

SAVE GAS Always tighten the gas cap. Loose, missing or damaged gas caps cause 147 million gallons of gas to evaporate each year, according to the Car Care Council.

CLEAN AND PARK Clean the car thoroughly and regularly. A good waxing will also help protect the paint.

* Park in the shade. Experts say the hot summer sun that bakes the inside of the car can also cause gas to evaporate. Purchase a good windshield shade.

* Don't leave children, pets or electronics in a parked car in the summer heat. Temperatures inside a car can climb to more than 160 degrees. The heat can damage all laptop computers, music players, cameras and cell phones. Sports equipment also can be ruined--tennis racquet strings can weaken and so can the graphite shafts of golf clubs. Forgotten makeup products, like lipsticks, can melt and stain the car's upholstery.

And before setting out on that road trip, pack a few items to make the trip easy and enjoyable:

* Drinking water

* One gallon of 50 percent coolant to 50 percent water

* One gallon of windshield washer fluid

* 2 spare quarts of oil

* A good flashlight with spare batteries

* Sun block and insect repellent