By Special to the Town Crier

Spring is one of the prime times for auto maintenance. That first wash and wax on a warm Saturday afternoon can be liberating.

Some preparation now will help ensure that your summer driving plans go as smoothly as you envision them.

The experts at the national Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) offer these 11 tips on getting your vehicle ready for summer:

Read the owner’s manual and follow the recommended service schedules.

Get hard starts, rough idling, stalling, etc., fixed before hot weather arrives

Flush and refill cooling system (radiator) according to the service manual’ recommendations. The level condition and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. Be sure to let the engine cool down before removing the radiator cap.

Those who aren’t do-it-yourselfers should look for repair facilities that employ ASE-certified automotive technicians.

The tightness and condition of belts clamps and hoses should be checked by a qualified professional.

Have a marginally operating air conditioner system serviced by a qualified auto technician.

Change the oil and oil filter as specified in the owner s manual. Be sure to properly dispose of used oil.

Replace other filters - air fuel, PCV etc. - as recommended.

Check the condition of tires, including the spare. Let tires cool down before checking air pressure.

Inspect all lights and and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs.

Replace worn wiper blades. Keep plenty of washer solvent on hand to combat all the dust and insects often associated with summer.

For a free brochure with summertime automotive tips, send a self-addressed stamped business-size envelope to: ASE Summer Brochure, Dept. NU-301, 13505 Dulles Technology Drive, Suite 2, Herndon, VA 20171-3421.

- NewsUSA