Summer's Coming

(Summer's Coming) Getting Ready For The Road 

This past weekend my bitter half and I .. Oops I mean my better half and I hit the road for a couple's weekend retreat, It was a small one 500 miles round trip.

I put My old trusty steed the gas hog in the garage and decide to rent a small compact economy car . That sucker got 28.9 mpg i think it only held 12 gal though.. 

Anyway enough of the ramblings of an old man.. 

When I picked it up the tire light was on and no washer fluid. So that got me thinking . How many times do we hit the road without checking the small stuff?

Here are a few things we need to check before starting the great adventure.

1.  CHECK THE TIRES

I always check the tires: the air pressure and the tread before going on a trip.  Check the weather, too, because you need your tires to hold up in the rain (summer rainstorms can come out of the blue, but try to be prepared.)   Do it a few days in advance, that way you can either fix your tires or you can get new ones.  Good tread wear and proper tire inflation will help improve traction and just an overall better drive for our fun summer trips. There is nothing more frustrating than getting ready to head out on a long trip to find a nail stuck in your tire.  I’ve been there, and not a fun way to start a vacation!  Here at Triple T Tire and Auto Service we can help with either of those.

2. CLEAN THE WINDOWS

Cleaning your windows is so important for visibility!   Remember, cleaning the inside of your windows is just as important as cleaning the outside of the windows.  I try to clean the windows with a good glass cleaner. The car I got had bugs on the windshield. That makes it hard to see when the sun is shining bright.

3. CLEAN THE MIRRORS

This is the same concept as the windows – the mirrors are important.  Be sure to get all of them, especially the rearview mirror.  This really does make it better for safer driving.

4. CHECK YOUR FLUID LEVELS 

​Make sure your coolant is at the maintenance level, to help keep the engine cool.   Remember to check the window-washer fluid.  A good rule of thumb is to refill the washer fluid every time you change your oil.    Change the oil before you leave if you are getting close to the mileage limits.  (Or check it to make sure there are no leaks and it has the proper amount – check your owner’s manual to get the right info).

Again here at Triple T we check all fluid levels each time we service your vehicle and we use the factory recommended oils.

5. Listen to and feel the brakes

If you hear a grinding sound or feel a vibration when applying the brakes, take your vehicle to an auto repair shop for a brake inspection. A service professional will check the brake system for fluid leaks, and the pads, rotors, shoes and drums. If repair or replacement is needed we can help with that. 

6. Secure and test the battery

Check the car battery to be sure cable connections are clean and tight, and the hold down hardware is secure. Just drop in and we can check that out for ya.

7. Replace wiper blades and replenish windshield cleaner

Rubber wiper blades naturally deteriorate over time. If wipers streak or fail to clear the windshield thoroughly, replace the blades. Fill the windshield washer reservoir with fluid formulated to remove insects and other debris, and test to make sure the nozzles spray adequately.

8.Check belts and hoses

Reinforced rubber drive belts power the engine water pump and accessories such as the alternator and air conditioning compressor so you should inspect and replace any that are cracked, glazed or frayed.

Note that modern multi-rib or drive belt materials do not show easily visible signs of wear. As a general rule, replace drive belts every 60,000 miles.

Inspect and replace worn, brittle, bulging or excessively soft radiator hoses. Check for leaks around hose clamps and at the radiator and water pump.

Whatever your automotive needs may be  We got you, Triple T Tire and Automotive can help with any issues you may have , Just drop on by anyone of our 3 locations. Just tell them Ronnie. B sent ya, Don't forget to ask about our payment plans with or without credit...