1.) Hot temperatures will deteriorate a battery’s life quicker by evaporating the water from the electrolyte and corroding and weakening the positive grids.

2.) Windshield wiper blades deteriorate after 6 to 12 months of exposure to the elements of the weather and should be replaced.  A dirty or worn wiper blade will streak and smear.  A brittle squeegee or twisted arm will chatter, telling you the blades must be replaced.

3.) As gasoline costs continue to rise, one of the easiest ways to improve gas mileage is by proper tire inflation.  Past statistics indicate that drivers can improve their gas mileage by more than 3 percent simply by keeping their tires properly inflated.

4.) Be penny wise.  Keep a penny handy and do the penny check on your tires.  Turn the penny so Lincoln’s head is pointing down and insert into the tread of a tire.  If the tread doesn’t cover the head, then it’s time to replace your tires.

5.) As you pack up the car for a summer journey, remember not to overload your car; check the owner’s manual for the maximum recommended load for the vehicle.  An overloaded car can create excessive heat inside your tires, which can lead to tire failure.