60 The Queens Courier • summer fun • may 23, 2013 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com summer fun s fast fixes for a summer ready car With summer-just around the corner, it’s time to get-your car-in tip-top shape to withstand hot days and long road trips. Summer driving requires your car to run differently; some adjustments and inspections are important to ensure your vehicle lasts season to season. Follow these five fast fixes and inspections to cruise through the summer and avoid roadside headaches. Tire care Tires perform differently in different weather conditions, so as the weather changes, it’s important to check tire pressure and tire tread. To check tire tread, see if the built-in “wear bars” are visible. These are narrow strips of rubber across the tires that appear when the tread is worn down to one-sixteenth of an inch. If you can see wear bars, your tires need to be replaced. De-winterize your car De-winterizing your car is easy and affordable. First, check all the fluid levels - coolant, transmission, differential, power steering and brake fluid - to make sure there aren’t any leaks. It’s also a good idea to change the oil between seasons, as oil gets thick and collects condensation if it sits in the engine all winter. It’s also important to thoroughly clean the-undercarriage-of your car after a long winter, especially if you live in a snowy climate. To avoid spending extra money on detailing, clean the undercarriage yourself using a basic water hose or highpressure cleaning system. In just a few minutes, you can ensure your vehicle is ready for the new road conditions and help you avoid any unnecessary issues. Paint protection Winter can be tough on a car’s exterior and sunshine will reveal every nick, chip and scratch in your vehicle’s paint. Restoring your ride’s original factory finish takes only minutes with touch-up paint products. Check the AC Your air conditioning system will be working overtime in the summer, so take time to test it to make sure it’s working properly sooner, rather than later. Since the vehicle’s refrigerant is under high pressure and harmful to the atmosphere, it’s best to leave any inspection or maintenance to a qualified professional. Mechanics can easily trap and recycle used refrigerant with the proper tools, and you can drive off with confidence you’ll stay cool all summer. Inspect hoses and belts The key to comfortable, safe summer driving is keeping the engine cool, and hoses and belts play a huge part in helping your engine run properly. Hoses pump coolant to and from the engine block, and belts run the fan that cools the system further. If the hoses crack or the belts snap, the radiator will quickly overheat, leaving you stranded. Check hoses for cracks, leaks and loose connections. Hoses should be firm, never soft and malleable, and belts can be visually checked for damage. If anything is noticeably wrong, get it fixed immediately, before you’re stranded in the summer heat. Vehicles need updating and maintenance through the changing of the seasons, but a few easy steps can prevent a summer of unexpected issues and repairs. Start now on these preventative maintenance tips and you’ll be cruising smoothly all season long. Courtesy BPT Join the Award Winning Pool Club! a beneficiary of BAY TERRACE POOL & TENNIS CENTER 212-00 23RD AVENUE BAYSIDE, NY 11360 718-423-6111 n Seniors, Adult & Child Activities n Musical Entertainment Special Events n Air Conditioned Community Room n Gourmet Onsite Cafe & Grill n Special Late Nights n Game Tent n Kiddie Pool And Playground n Onsite Nursery Summer Camp (2 1/2 - 6 Years Old) n Tennis & Basketball Courts n Private Swim Lessons Are Available n AquaZumba Classes $100 OFF SUMMER OF 2013 May 25, 2013 through September 2, 2013 FAMILY MEMBERSHIPS $75 OFF INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIPS KIDZ CLUB When you submit this ad with your application www.queenscourier.com st Nursery Summer Camp Program for pool membership by June 15, 2013. Supervised, Exciting Activities for Ages 2-1/2 thru 6. Includes Swim Instruction, Tennis, Dance & Much More. ~ WE SUPPLY LOUNGES, CHAIRS, UMBRELLAS AND CARD TABLES ~ NEW MEMBERS ONLY. Not to be combined with any other offers. Coupon applicable upon membership availability. of the THE QUEENS Place
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