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Vol 3 Issue 15

Lubbock AvALAnche-JouRnAL710 Ave. J, Po boX 491

Lubbock, TX 79408806-762-8844

DRive.LubbockonLine.coM

Steve BeaSley PubLisheR

(806) 766-8610

Cody HutCHiSon DRive cooRDinAToR/DesigneR

(806) 766-8687

Randi MitCHell ADveRTising sALes consuLTAnT

(806) 766-8657

cover Design bycody hutchison

Photography byMisty setzler

Photo taken inLady Luck speedway

vehicle byAdobe Auto sales

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Camper Coaches

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In This Issue

Easy Tips to Curb Car Care Costs

Keep Your Cool in Hot Summer Cars

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When it’s hot outside, one of the last places you want to be is sitting in traffic without a properly function-ing air conditioning (A/C) system. To help avoid this uncomfortable situation, the Car Care Council recom-mends having your A/C system checked annually to make sure it is functioning at its peak performance level when the temperatures are soaring.

“Making sure your A/C system is working properly will give you the peace of mind knowing that your vehicle will keep you cool and safe when you hit the road this summer,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Not only are high temperatures harmful to the body with prolonged exposure, but they can provide unnecessary wear and tear on a vehicle.”

A vehicle’s heating, ventilating and air conditioning system (HVAC) keeps the interior cabin comfortable in any season by providing the right temperature and humidity level. Typical A/C service consists of the following steps:

* Service technician visually inspects hoses, lines, seals and other components for leaks as well as inspect the drive belt for cracks or damage.

* Technician checks pressures to test operation, refrigerant charge and outlet temperatures.

* If the system is found to be low on refrigerant, a leak test is performed to find the source of the leak. Keep in mind that if your vehicle is leaking refrigerant, it is damaging the ozone layer.

* Refrigerant may be added if necessary to “top off” the system, although some states do not allow “top-ping off.”

* A technician may also check for evidence of refrigerant cross-contamination, which is the mixing of refrigerants.

* A/C service should also include a check of the compressor’s drive belt and tension.

Easy tips to curb car care costs(ARA) - Did you know it’s possible to

save hundreds of dollars a year when

it comes to automotive expenses? You

can save money and keep your car run-

ning longer by doing a little research

and by upgrading some of the car care

products you already buy.

Here are some easy tips for you to keep

your car running great while keeping

more money in your pocket:

Worth the upgrade

Improve your car’s fuel economy and

engine life by upgrading to high per-

formance synthetic motor oil. Studies

have shown that it may improve fuel

economy by as much as 5 percent and

can significantly reduce engine wear.

When compared to conventional motor

oils, premium synthetic oils will allow

you to go more miles between oil

changes, reducing maintenance costs

and time spent in the shop.

Keep your tires inflated

Improve your gas mileage by

keeping your tires properly inflated. The

U.S. Energy Department reports that 50

to 80 percent of the tires traveling on

U.S. roads are underinflated which can

increase fuel consumption by up to 3

percent. Make sure you inflate the tires

to the manufacturer’s recommended

tire pressure and not by the number on

the sidewall of the tire. Tires are pro-

duced to fit a broad range of vehicles,

but manufacturers spec tire pressures

that are specific to the car’s compo-

nents.

Tune it up

Check your manufacturer’s manual for

the recommended tune up interval, but

the general recommendation is two

years or 30,000 miles depending on

conditions such as extreme tempera-

tures, weather and use of the vehicle.

A tune up can include replacement of

the fuel filter if applicable, changing

the spark plugs, and replacing worn

belts. Scheduling recommended tune

ups is an important step in preventative

vehicle maintenance that will make sure

the vehicle gets the best gas mileage

possible and will uncover problems be-

fore they become expensive to repair.

Get a quote

Take advantage of insurance com-

panies that offer free quotes for your

auto insurance. Prices can vary from

company to company, so it pays to do a

little research. Obtain at least three price

quotes by using the Internet or calling

an insurance agent directly. Have your

current policy and coverage in front of

you so you can compare the quotes you

receive for the best value.

Keep Your Cool in Hot Summer CarsNewsUSA

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