Driving Tips (NAPSA)—Be sure to have your vehicle checked out before heading out on your next road trip, advise the experts at the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), the group that tests and certifies automotive technicians. Here are hints on how: Flush and refill the cooling system (radiator) according to the service manual’s recommendations and safety warnings. Before a long trip, have a quali- fied technician check the tightness and condition of your car’s belts, clamps and hoses. *Have drivability problems— hard starts, rough idling, stalling—corrected for better gas mileage and peace of mind. *Have a marginally operating air-conditioner system serviced. Changetheoil andoilfilter as specified in the owner’s manual. * Replace otherfilters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended. Check the condition oftires, including the spare. Let tires “cool down” before checkingair pressure. *Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned-out bulbs. *Replace worn wiper blades and top off the washer fluid to fight summer’s dust and insects. eIf youre not a do-it-yourselfer, look for repair facilities that employ ASE-certified technicians. For more car care tips, visit ASE’s website at www.ase.com.
