With the arrival of summer, more drivers will hit the American highways
for summer vacations. At Valvoline Instant Oil ChangeSM service centers,
we want to share a few Summer Driving Tips to help prepare your vehicle
and ensure it is in optimal driving condition for your summer getaway or
your day-to-day driving in hotter weather conditions:
1. Change your motor oil regularly
Regular oil changes with the correct grade of motor oil can improve gas
mileage up to two percent.* Synthetic oils are best for high temperature
driving conditions and for added protection when towing.
2. Check your tire pressure
Keeping your tires properly inflated can help improve gas mileage up to
three percent.* Be sure to check your tire pressure before you begin
driving for the day. This allows you to get a cold pressure reading (the
number commonly referenced in your owner’s manual).
3. Clean your fuel system
This helps improve fuel economy and maximize engine performance by
removing dirt and deposits from the fuel system.
4. Use cruise control on highways
This will help you maintain a constant speed, which in most cases helps
improve fuel economy.
5. Do not idle
It requires less gas to restart a vehicle than to let it idle.
6. Park in the shade or a garage
The sun zaps fuel from your gas tank. Parking in the shade or garage will
lessen the amount of evaporative emissions.
7. Check your cooling system (radiator)
It protects your engine from overheating in hot summer conditions. Follow
your owner’s manual for regular maintenance.
8. Check your serpentine belt
Replacing the serpentine belt when needed helps prevent breakdowns. It
keeps your vehicle’s power steering, alternator, water pump and AC
running.
9. Check your air conditioning system
Nothing makes the summer heat more unbearable than traveling with an air
conditioning system that will not cool properly.
10. Check your windshield wipers and wiper fluid
The combination of bad wipers and a summer downpour can leave you with no
view of the road. Be sure you have plenty of wiper fluid to help keep your
windshield clear of dirt and debris.
Also, remember to follow the vehicle maintenance procedures outlined in
your owner’s manual. These can help improve your fuel economy and
prolong the life of your vehicle. The following should be included:
• Check your transmission fluid: Changing the fluid when needed helps
restore your vehicle’s operation by protecting the gears from grinding.
• Rotate your tires regularly: This prevents uneven wear, which can
shorten the life of your tires. It also improves vehicle handling and
traction.
• Check your gearbox fluid: Changing the fluid when needed restores
additives to protect the gears from grinding. This is especially important
for four- wheel drive vehicles because they have three gear boxes.
Follow these Summer Driving Tips and your vehicle’s regular maintenance
schedule to get optimal driving conditions and good fuel economy for your
vehicle this summer. So, get out there and enjoy your summer vacation, or
at least, you can feel better about driving during the dog days of summer.
To learn more or to find a Valvoline Instant Oil Change near you, visit
vioc.com.
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