Automotive Tips and Info

Going on a vacation? 

With making all the plans and scheduling events for the family to do while your on vacation it is easy to overlook having your vehicle checked out before you leave town.  Avoid the stress of having your car packed to the top and the it being 100* outside while your sitting on the side of the road.  Little things like radiator and heater hoses that wear from the inside out don’t show immediate signs of up coming problems.  Another item that is difficult in determine the life expectancy is the electric fuel pumps that are in the fuel tank.  Specializing in in electrical and engine performance problems I am able to inspect the fuel pumps current draw and pattern of the of the electric motor that turns the pump.  This will give me a look at the condition of the electrical part of the pump that can leave you sitting in the parking lot after you shut the engine off because the pump wont turn.  (watch for future articles that will go more in depth in this area) 

Another very overlooked area are the 5 tires!  Yes, I said 5 tires.  The fifth tire at some point will be the most important tire you have.  You should have your spare tire inspected for proper tire pressure and condition.  Are you familiar with were the vehicles jack and other needed tools are to change a tire if needed?  One thing that I look at on vehicles are the wheel nuts.  There are some styles that will have a chrome cap one the outside of the nut for cosmetic reasons.  Now if this cap is missing (they have the tendencies to come off with age) and the nut is on a little tighter than it should be your tool that comes with the car may not fit! 

Here is list of items that I recommend taking with you on your trip or anytime you venture off away from home. 

• Flash light with fresh batteries

• Gloves

• 2 quarts of oil

• 2 gallons of water or coolant in winter months

• Windshield washer fluid

• A small set of misc. tools

• Snacks for the kids

• Games for the kids

• A good map of the area you are traveling

• Jumper cables

• Blankets for winter months traveling

 HAPPY TRAVELING from your friends at Powers Automotive Services, Inc

- Jeff Powers