Thursday, March 25, 2010 — THE MEDICINE HAT NEWS GAS CITY PRE-OWNED

3

Get your

vehicle ready for summer

Medicine Hat News

Now that the snow is gone, the time has come for motorists to prepare their vehicles for summer driving conditions.

Bob Undseth, manager of member services with the Alberta Motor Association in Medicine Hat, has a few tips for drivers on gearing up their vehicles for spring.

Many drivers have winter tires on their vehicles that need to be swapped for summer or all-season tires.

If you already have all-season tires on your vehicle, Undseth recommends checking the pressure and tread depth on the tires.

“Under-inflated tires are probably the greatest cause of blow-outs. We recommend (drivers) keep their pressure up to the manufacturer’s recommendations,” he says. “It helps prevent flats and optimizes your fuel efficiency.”

He adds that drivers should check their wiper blades for wear and replace them if necessary. When the insects start coming out, you may want to switch to a bug-removing washer fluid.

Drivers should also consider getting their vehicle battery tested at a service shop, Undseth says.

It’s also important for drivers ensure the lights on their vehicle are in proper working order.

“Check all the lights: headlights, brake lights, reverse lights, signal lights and hazard lights,” Undseth says. “Even check the small bulb in your license plate.”

In addition to ensuring their automobile is in a solid mechanic state, drivers should clean their vehicle inside and out.

Undseth recommends washing the entire exterior of the vehicle, including the engine and undercarriage.

Waxing the vehicle will help protect it from strong ultraviolet rays in the spring and summer.

Also clean the inside of the vehicle: vacuum the interior, clean vinyl surfaces and apply protectant spray.

Lastly, use window cleaner to remove grime from the inside of the windshield and you’ll be ready to hit the road.

NEWS PHOTO EMMA BENNETT

Bob Undseth is manager of member services at AMA. Under-inflated tires, wiper blades in poor condition and burnt-out lights are a few of the things drivers should look at as they prepare their vehicles for summer driving.

Should I clean my vehicle in the spring?

Winter can be really hard on vehicles. On top of the cold, snow and rain there are abrasives and other external factors that can ruin a vehicle's paint finish and even its ornamental objects. What's more, by the time winter is over, some of the salt that was spread on the roads has now become lodged in even the tiniest spaces of your vehicle. If left there, this salt can eventually lead to rust. So, to answer your question, yes, you should thoroughly clean the outside of your vehicle once spring has officially arrived.

But not everyone has the time or patience to do a thorough job; in this case, it is worth the money to rely on the professionals at a specialized car wash. They will ensure that the job is done properly. But for the do-it-yourselfer, this can be the perfect opportunity to spend a quality afternoon pampering your vehicle.

If you decide to take on this task yourself, be sure to use only quality products. These can be found at most large auto parts and accessories stores as well as at specialized shops. A powerful water spray and meticulous cleaning is the best way to remove all of the debris caught in your vehicle's tiny cracks and trims.

Once you've gotten rid of this winter residue, it is now time to prep your vehicle's exterior for the upcoming spring and summer months. This includes a good polish as well as protection from the sun's harsh rays. After all, summer can be just as tough on a vehicle as winter can be. A good coat of wax-carefully applied following the manufacturer's instructions-will help your vehicle keep its lustrous finish.

With a few fairly simple treatments, your car will continue to look its best for years and have a higher resale value.

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©2010

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