Newsletter - April 2009

Getting Your Vehicle Ready for Summer

How hot will it be in Denver this spring and summer? Our last storm alleviated—but did not eliminate—the drought hazard facing the Front Range. This winter we’ve seen temperatures way above average, and moisture levels way below average. We even broke the 137 year old record set in l872 on March 2nd climbing to 76 degrees!

When hot weather hits, many parts of your car come under more stress and many of these conditions can lead to additional problems.

A recent study by the Car Care Council found:

38% of vehicles had low or dirty engine oil
54% had low tire pressure
28% did not have adequate coolant protection
19% needed new belts
16% had dirty air filters
10% had low or contaminated brake fluid

Here’s why you need to pay attention

Engine Oil
Aside from lubricating, engine oil dissipates heat, helping keep the engine parts cool.

Tires
Low tire pressure causes heat buildup in the tires which could cause a blow out. Ten years ago millions of tires were recalled because of blowouts causing accidents and SUV rollovers. The cause was not faulty tires, but rather under inflation and lack of rotation.

Coolant
If coolant is weak or worn out it becomes acidic, no longer protecting the metal of the radiator and water pump. Leaks are more likely to develop when the cooling system is under more pressure in hot weather.

A/C System
In the summer months the air conditioner puts more strain on the belts and more heat into the radiator.

Air Filters
Dirty air filters cause loss of performance.

Brakes
Contaminated brake fluid can boil on a hot day especially at high altitude causing a spongy pedal. Remember the country and western song “Wolf Creek Pass”?

Heat is the number one enemy of electrical components. Here are some tips to prevent damage:

Change spark plugs on time. Modern spark plugs are more expensive but when they wear out the ignition control system will overheat and possibly fail.
Fuel filters should be replaced at 30,000 to 60,000 miles. If the fuel pump has to push gas through a partially clogged fuel filter it will work too hard, creating excessive heat.
Don’t drive on a constantly low fuel tank. Most fuel pumps are mounted in the tank and need a volume of fuel to cool them.
Watch for corroded battery connections. A battery service costs about $19 but a battery cable replacement runs between $75 and $300.

Many of our customers are deciding to keep their cars rather than buying new ones. All too often when we evaluate these vehicles we find that deferred maintenance has led to additional repairs. Preventative maintenance increases reliability, increases the value of the vehicle, decreases repairs and costs less over time.

ThinkBox

Consider carefully before cancelling collision coverage even on an older vehicle. Break out your collision from your liability cost to determine if keeping the coverage is worth it. In the event your car is totaled, at least you walk away with some money for a replacement.

We’ll help you take care of what you own and prioritize your auto repair needs to fit your household budget.

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Addison Auto Repair & Body Shop
2005 South Holly Street • Denver, CO 80222 • 303-691-9484