AN AUTOMOTIVE SUMMERIZATION

Enlarge Image Image Gallery A-UNDER THE HOOD: Your battery will succumb unless you keep it clean and filled. Air, fuel and oil filters need attention, too. Check the antifreeze level and clamps, hoses and water pump bearings, and don't forget to inspect the alternator and accessory belts for signs of wear. modern ignition systems require minimal maintenance, but examine spark plugs and distributor parts

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Do-it-yourself auto maintenance can prevent vacation breakdowns.

With summer just around the corner, it won't be long before millions of Americans take to the highways in celebration of their annual vacations. Unfortunately, many of those travelers won't reach their destinations w ithout suffering a mechanical mishap along the way.

A roadside breakdown is no joke, and you'll only be kidding yourself if you leave your fate to chance. By spending a Saturday afternoon checking commonly ignored components on your car, you'll be one up when you take those jaunts—or that special journey-you've been looking forward to all year.

These preventive maintenance steps don't have to cost a cent. Nor will they require a shopful of tools or the expertise of a seasoned mechanic. In fact, each procedure outlined below is one you can do yourself, even if all you know about cars is how to lift the hood or change a tire. A few essential tools will come in handy: adjustable channel-locking pliers, flat- and Phillips-blade screwdrivers, a utility knife and perhaps a seven-piece set of combination or socket wrenches (3/8" through 3/4" or 9mm through 19mm, metric). If you don't own any tools, consider buying some to keep in the car. You just might need them on the road someday.

It seems sensible to begin by opening the vehicle's hood . . . but it makes even more sense to start by opening your owner's manual to the section on service and scheduled maintenance. There the manufacturer item izes service procedures by mileage intervals and indicates fluid capacities, oil and coolant requirements and a number of other things specific to your car. The manual often includes photos or illustrations that locate and detail each maintenance chore clearly.

Getting Down and Dirty

Once you've familiarized yourself, at least in theory, with the things that might need attention under the hood, it's time to make your move. Don't count on keeping your clothes clean; just wear something that can get stained. Remove any watches or metal jewelry that can conduct electricity, and dispense with belts or buckles that might scratch your car's finish. Tie up your hair (or wear a hat) if it's long enough to snag.

B-WIPERS: Replace the blades if they're worn, and fill the reservoir.

C-BRAKES: Look for leaks or kinks in the brake lines; scraping or clinking noises should be checked.

D-SHOCKS: Worn shock absorbers cause your car to wallow and bounce. Look for a service center sale.

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