The 7 Important Items To Check Before Memorial Day Weekend

Sun. Surf. Picnics. Make sure your vehicle gets you there and back again.

Check off the important items before you go to prevent your vehicle from putting a damper on your weekend adventure:

• Check for corrosion on brake components (see related article). Signs of problems include squeaks, squeals, grinding and a “spongy” brake pedal.
• Inspect for cracked, hardened wiper blades. Those mountain rain bursts can make a streaky mess out of your clear windshield. Don’t forget the rear wiper blades for SUVs.
• Take a peek at your tires for bulges, scrapes and worn spots. A bubble on the sidewall requires immediate replacement.
• Replace cabin air filters to reduce allergens. Regular replacement of cabin air filters is an inexpensive way to help keep your vehicle healthy.
• Check the air pressure in all tires. Do you notice consistent loss of air pressure? Have your rims inspected for cracks and bends that prevent a proper seal to the tire bead.
• Take a look at the spare tire. Tires experts suggest replacing spare tires every 7 - 10 years or if you see signs of stress bulges, cracks. If you have a full-sized spare, make sure it is properly inflated before your head out of town. When in doubt, ask your service advisor.
• Get a battery charge test before leaving town. Batteries commonly fail during changes in temperatures. Don’t let your battery go bad on your upcoming excursion.

And some car care items:

• Consider replacing wiper fluid with solutions designed to remove “bug goo.” Late spring and early summer are primetime for hordes of flying pests.
• Clean the carpets and mats. Remove any dirt, grime and spills that can create mold and cause allergens to accumulate.
• Use a two-in-one wash-and-wax. you can save time and keep your vehicle looking great this spring.
• Use a deodorizer and air freshener. Fragrances offer a temporary fix. Deodorizers work on a microbial level by attacking airborne molecules.
• Clean wheels one at a time. Do not all allow the cleaners to dry on the wheel. Use wheel-specific cleaners that are specifically designed to remove brake dust and road grime but will not harm the wheels (see related article.)
• Remove sandpaper like hardened grit with a clay bar. Auto cleaners and waxes add shine but don’t remove contaminants bonded to the car. The surface may feel rough. A synthetic “clay bar” can remove paint swirls, grit, brake dust and other contaminants from most exterior surfaces including windshield, rims and paint.