• Home
  • Get A Quote
  • Customer Service
  • Refer a Friend
  • About Us
  • Location Map
  • Employee Directory
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
CALL US TODAY
(916) 488-4426
Home

  • Home
  • Get a Quote
    • Quote Forms
    • Auto Insurance
    • Boat Insurance
    • Business & Commercial Insurance
    • Cyber Liability Insurance
    • Earthquake Insurance
    • Flood Insurance
    • Home Insurance
    • Motorcycle Insurance
    • Pet Insurance
    • Renter's Insurance
  • Customer Service
    • Add Driver to Existing Auto Policy
    • Add Vehicle to Existing Auto Policy
    • Remove Driver from Existing Auto Policy
    • Remove Vehicle from Existing Auto Policy
    • Request General Liability Certificate of Insurance
    • Add Motorcycle to Existing Policy
    • Remove Motorcycle from Existing Policy
    • Policy Review Request
    • Add Watercraft to Existing Policy
    • Remove Watercraft from Existing Policy
  • File A Claim
  • Blog
  • Make A Payment
  • Resources
    • Calculators: Auto, Home, Budget
    • Free Reports
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Important Links
    • Insurance Glossary
    • Refer a Friend
  • Our Company
    • About Us
    • Who We Represent
    • Why Choose Us
    • ABC10 Insurance Coach
    • Partners Page
    • Privacy Policy
    • Testimonials
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Employee Directory
    • Location Map & Directions
Auto Insurance AUTO

Auto insurance protects you against financial loss if you have an accident.

Read More
Homeowners Insurance HOMEOWNERS

A standard policy insures the home itself and the things you keep in it.

Read More
Flood Insurance FLOOD

Typical homeowners policies exclude flood damage. Get coverage now.

Read More
Earthquake Insurance EARTHQUAKE

Earthquake claims are best covered with a standalone policy.

Read More
Business Insurance BUSINESS

Discover the perfect insurance options to meet your specific and unique needs.

Read More
Life & Health Insurance LIFE & HEALTH

Learn about different health coverage options that fit your needs.

Read More

Home > Blog > 5 Essential Summer Car-Care Tips
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 2011

5 Essential Summer Car-Care Tips

Summer is here and in full swing! Make sure you have done these things before you hit the road for vacation or even to work:

1. Kick the tires. And then get out the tire-pressure gauge and check that your tires are inflated to the level recommended in your owner's manual. Summer heat increases the pressure in tires, so test the pressure before driving far. Don't forget to check your spare as well.

Underinflated tires run the risk of a blowout, and overinflated ones make hydroplaning more likely in rainy weather. There's a financial payoff, too: Properly inflated tires increase your vehicle's fuel efficiency by up to 3%.

Check the tread while you're down there. Stick a penny in the tread gaps with Lincoln's head facing down -- if the head is fully visible, you need new tires.

A new line of tires, Goodyear's Assurance FuelMax, are designed to boost fuel economy. FuelMax tires improve fuel efficiency by 4% compared with the current line of Goodyear Assurance tires, and they carry a 65,000-mile warranty.

FuelMax tires are made of a new polymer that maximizes handling and durability, while providing 27% less rolling resistance to improve efficiency. Prices range from $73 to $122 per tire, depending on size, at www.tirerack.com.

2. Check the essentials. Check the oil after running the car for a few minutes. It should be at a sufficient level and appear clean on the stick. Though many technicians recommend an oil change every 3,000 miles, some manuals recommend 7,500 miles-check your owner's manual for guidance.

New windshield-wiper blades might be a good investment for summer driving. Thunderstorms often crop up without warning, and the previous winter's weather may have taken a toll on the blades' performance. Prices are typically $5 to $25.

3. Make a service stop. We'll leave it to your mechanic to tell you what needs to be done, but a quick tuneup before a long trip is a good idea -- especially because it could improve your fuel economy by 4% to 12%. Prices for a basic tuneup start at around $70 at Meineke and Midas, and both have coupons available on their Web sites.

4. Ditch the junk in your trunk. No hip-hop reference here -- just clean out your car. The more you haul, the more fuel you burn. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your mpg by up to 2%.

5. Prepare for the worst. You should keep an emergency kit with some necessities in your car in case you get stuck. The AAA 73 Piece Adventurer Road Assistance Kit ($55,www.amazon.com) includes jumper cables, an air compressor, tools and a first-aid kit. Black & Decker's Start It Jump-Starter ($50, www.bdonlinestore.com) can help you get back on the road without jumper cables.

We don't want to be a drag, but keep in mind that driving faster than 60 miles per hour decreases your fuel efficiency -- each 5 mph over 60 is like paying an extra 24 cents per gallon for gas. That money is better spent on a snack at the next rest stop.



Read more: http://www.kiplinger.com/columns/car/archive/2009/car0520.html#ixzz1RXzwfG5X
Become a Fan of Kiplinger's on Facebook

While you are checking your car for the summer, why don't you get auto insurance as well?
Cliff Cottam Insurance Services makes it easy to get the right auto insurance for you, because we do all the work! Just call us today at (800 807 6871) for a free instant quote.
Posted 3:30 PM

Share |


No Comments


Post a Comment
Required
Required (Not Displayed)
Required


All comments are moderated and stripped of HTML.

NOTICE: This blog and website are made available by the publisher for educational and informational purposes only. It is not be used as a substitute for competent insurance, legal, or tax advice from a licensed professional in your state. By using this blog site you understand that there is no broker client relationship between you and the blog and website publisher.
Blog Archive
  • 2024
  • 2023
  • 2019
  • 2018
  • 2017
  • 2016
  • 2015
  • 2013
  • 2012
  • 2011
  • 2010

  • auto(25)
  • home(22)
  • family(8)
  • auto insurance(6)
  • holiday(5)
  • life(4)
  • cliff cottam insurance services(4)
  • business(3)
  • christmas(3)
  • home insurance(3)
  • college(3)
  • flood(3)
  • rental(3)
  • spring(2)
  • umbrella insurance(2)
  • disability(2)
  • flood insurance(2)
  • rideshare(2)
  • summer(2)
  • boat insurance(2)
  • dui(1)
  • credit(1)
  • emergency preparedness(1)
  • cars(1)
  • valentines(1)
  • food trucks(1)
  • phone(1)
  • employee benefits assistance(1)
  • cat insurance(1)
  • sacramento ballet(1)
  • emergency communications(1)
  • toys for tots(1)
  • cleaning(1)
  • retirement(1)
  • wedding(1)
  • jewelry(1)
  • discounts(1)
  • general liability insurance(1)
  • insurance gaps(1)
  • gifting coupons(1)
  • cyber liability insurance(1)
  • car insurance(1)
  • nutcracker(1)
  • shopping(1)
  • collision coverage(1)
  • pool(1)
  • dog insurance(1)
  • lightning(1)
  • event planning(1)
  • holidays(1)

View Mobile Version
Facebook
Twitter
RSS
Pinterest
Google+
Carriers
Carriers
Carriers
Carriers
Carriers
Carriers
Carriers
Cliff Cottam Insurance Services (CCIS)

Resources

Home About Us Get a Quote Make A Payment Newsletter Contact Us

Contact Us

  • Mailing Address
  • 3013 Douglas Blvd. Suite 100
  • Roseville, CA 95661
  • 916-488-4426
  • Email us
  • California License #0N07168
© Copyright. All rights reserved.
Powered by Insurance Website Builder