

SUMMER COOLING SYSTEM CHECKLIST
You’re driving down the road and suddenly the temperature gauge needle begins edging perilously close to the red zone. Immediately, you pull off the road, turn off the vehicle and lift the hood. Steam is billowing everywhere, but you understand that uncapping the radiator can burn you, so you wait for the vehicle to cool down before deciding what to do next. The majority of summer breakdowns are due to one thing — overheating. You can avoid this problem in the first place by


HOW TO SAVE FUEL: HYPERMILE SECRETS YOU’VE BEEN MISSING
Car nuts come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re a power and speed fiend or you just like to enjoy a nice, long drive, one thing holds true: We’re all trying to save gas when we can. Without a doubt, the biggest expense in owning a vehicle is fuel, and, while prices are lower than they’ve been in recent years, getting better mpgs is a universal goal. Here are some tips on how to save fuel: By the Numbers Miles per gallon is really nothing more than a number; literally, i


CAR AIR CONDITIONING PEAK PERFORMANCE CHECK
Car air conditioning systems can be used in all seasons — in winter and during rain storms to defog the windshield and in summer to cool you off — but there’s no doubt that summer is when most car air conditioning systems are truly put to the test. Failing the test will invariably leave you sweaty, uncomfortable and irritable. Summer is officially here, and if you haven’t checked out your air conditioner yet, then right now is a good time. While we can’t get into actual diagn

THE EFFECTS OF DRY HEAT ON YOUR CAR: A PRIMER
The effects of dry heat on your car might not be immediately obvious. After all, most of what you’ve likely heard about vehicle maintenance warns against damp conditions, snow, ice or road salt. In a climate where rain is an infrequent concern, is there anything in particular that you need to consider when it comes to protecting your car or truck from the heat? Of course there is — but don’t worry, we’ve got your covered. Check out these tips on how to protect your car from d


ANTIFREEZE IN OIL: A GUIDE TO NOT PANICKING
So, you accidentally put coolant down the oil neck, did you? Don’t kick yourself too hard, it happens. Mixing antifreeze in oil is not something your car appreciates, but it’s not an outright disaster. In any case, there are certainly worse things you could do. This is a relatively simple fix you can take care of with minimal hassle. What You Did Oil is essential to keeping your engine running. It provides proper lubricant to reduce friction and wear and, to a lesser extent,


ROAD TRIP SOLUTIONS: HOW TO AVOID ENGINE OVERHEATING
Finally. The car is packed, swimsuits safely stowed in the luggage, salty snacks at the ready in the red food bag, and 24 cans of that oh-so-good soda are chilling in the cooler. Your mind is off of work for the next 10 days, nothing but sun, family, friends, and open road for you. The engine roars to life and off you go. As Murphy’s Law would have it, halfway to your fun-filled destination, that little red needle has crept up on the temperature gauge. As your engine sputters