Our list continues with 3 more auto maintenance check points to address before leaving for your summer road trip. A little preventive maintenance is the first step towards making your vacation more pleasant. (Don’t miss the first 3 major checkpoints in Summer Maintenance check points 1-3.) [hyperlink to RK-Auto-Group-summer1.htm].

1. Batteries die in the summer too.
Dead batteries are not just a wintertime nuisance. According to the RK Subaru service department, batteries deteriorate even faster in hot weather. Before your summer trip, have your battery checked by a professional, especially if it is over three years old.

2. Seat belts save lives--make sure they work well.
Your belts should unreel smoothly when you pull them, and retract securely around you after you fasten the latch. If your belt is not fitting snugly, check the "retractor" (a spool-like device near the floor) for stuck debris. On older cars, make sure the belts are not frayed or torn.

3. Compensate for a heavy load.
If you are towing a boat or trailer, or hauling an excessive number of passengers or luggage, adjustments may be in order. The RK Scion Service Department recommends that you consult your owner’s manual on how to compensate for extra heavy loads. If you own a high-riding sport utility vehicle or minivan, avoid using a roof cargo carrier, which raises the center of gravity and increases the risk of a rollover.

Address these basic maintenance check points even if you’re not planning any out-of-town trips. You’ll reduce the risk of a road-side emergency, save time and money, and ultimately make your summer more enjoyable.
Go back to RK Auto Group Summer Maintenance Check Points 1-3.

Tom Kline is Controller of RK Auto Group (RK Buick, RK Chevrolet, RK Subaru, RK Scion, and RK Toyota). RK Chevrolet is the recipient of Chevrolet Motor Division’s coveted Service Supremacy Award four years in a row. This is an award which less than 400 of the nation's 5,000 Chevrolet dealers have won. RK Auto Group has been included in the Ward’s Auto list of top 500 U.S. car dealers, and has received the prestigious "Genuine Leaders Award" for excellence in sales, service, and customer satisfaction. The dedication of each employee at RK Chevrolet, RK Buick, RK Subaru, RK Scion and RK Toyota made these awards possible.