MAIN Entertaining Summer Fun Guide

Driving Smarts for City Streets This Summer

Not up for a long road trip this summer?

Even if you're a city slicker who would much rather tour around town than head out on the open road, it's important to make sure your vehicle is prepared for the hot summer ahead.

"People don't realize that maintenance of their vehicle in the summer is just as necessary as preparing for winter," says Gordon den Brok, Value Tire, Alliance Tire Professionals.

"A qualified professional should give your car a thorough inspection before you hit the hot pavement to ensure your vehicle is in tip top shape."

By following the tips below, you can ensure that you and your family will be safe on your city streets this summer!

Pothole prevention:

It's almost impossible to avoid every pothole, but you can reduce the risk of pothole damage to your tires by keeping a firm grip on the wheel. Reduce your speed as much as possible before making contact, and take your foot off the brake at the last second – that way, you can roll through the pothole, reducing the impact along with possible wheel damage and wheel misalignment.

The pressure is on!
A tire can lose as much as 1.5 per cent of its air pressure in general during any given month. Fluctuating temperatures in the summer can cause changes in air pressure in a matter of hours since air expands when it's hot – so it's important to keep tabs on your tires!

To obtain an accurate reading, always check the pressure when your tires are "cold" – at least three hours after the vehicle has been stopped and before it has been driven two kilometers. Tires must be inflated according to the manufacturer's specifications.

Proper inflation values can be found in one or more of the following places: in the vehicle's owner manual, on a placard located in the vehicle's door jamb, inside the fuel hatch, or on the glove compartment door.Make sure to use a good pressure gauge and check its accuracy with your local Michelin-Certified Alliance Tire Professionals dealer.

Get it straight the first time!
Proper alignment is necessary for even tread wear and precise steering. Uneven front or rear tire wear or changes in your vehicle's handling or steering response (i.e. pulling to one side) can indicate misalignment.

If your wheels are misaligned, it becomes increasingly difficult to steer and drive straight. This means your vehicle may need a "front-end" alignment or a "four-wheel" alignment, depending on the symptoms you are experiencing. To be safe, wheel alignment should be checked every 25-30,000 kilometres. Additionally, tires should be rotated every 10,000 kilometres.

Trash it, don't stash it!
Preparing the outside of your vehicle for summer is just as important as the inside.

Before it gets too hot and humid, try to do your vehicle a favour and summer clean your car! Cleaning the inside of your car not only makes it a more comfortable drive for you and your passengers but, it also makes for a safer drive.

Loose pop and juice bottles can roll under your feet while driving and interfere with accelerating and braking. Also, if you're driving with the windows down, old candy wrappers and garbage can be distracting by blowing around the inside of your vehicle.

Before you head out on your city streets, make sure your vehicle is clean and clear of debris.

Source:
For more information on summer driving tips, visit your local Michelin-Certified Alliance Tire Professionals dealer.

News Canada

also see related features -> Buying Cars Online | Car Maintenance Tips