Spring is the perfect time to get your car ready for the busy summer driving season ahead. It's sensible to have your vehicle tested before summer's extreme vacation traffic and stop-and-go conditions begin earnestly.

The specialists at the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence offer the following tips on getting your vehicle ready:

* Look at the owner's manual and follow the suggested service schedules. Be careful on "regular" vs. "severe" schedules listed, and determine which is appropriate for your driving conditions and habits.

* Look for a systematic repair facility with modern equipment in the service bays and skilled automotive technicians being workers, as demonstrated by trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work and training, as well as national certification of the individual technicians by ASE.

* Flush and refill the cooling system (radiator) as stated in the service manual's recommendations. The level, condition and intensity of the coolant should be checked at regular intervals. Make sure the engine has cooled down before detaching the radiator cap. Engine overheating is the most frequent summer breakdown.

* Have engine performance problems corrected, such as hard starts, rough idling and stalling. You'll get better gasoline mileage, and you could avert more expensive repairs.

* Don't ignore your transmission and brakes. Expensive repairs can be avoided by routine service. Neglected brakes can give rise to safety issues, too.

* Seek out a qualified auto technician to check the condition of belts, clamps and hoses, but be preventive by looking for signs of wear, cracking or fraying.

* Have a marginally working air conditioner system checked by a technician qualified to deal with refrigerants. Older units often contain ozone-depleting chemicals that could be let out into the air through improper or incompetent service.

* Change the oil and oil filter as indicated in the owner's manual. This simple, inexpensive service can add to the life of your vehicle.

* Change other filters (air, fuel, PCV) as suggested in the service manual.

* Check the condition of tires, including the spare. Let the tires "cool down" before checking their pressure. Uneven wear, "cupping", vibrations or "pulling" to one side indicates problems with your tires or suspension system.

* Change your headlights with some good aftermarket headlights. Good custom headlights or even just a nice new set of H11 bulbs for your normal lights will make a massive difference when you're traveling at night. Very rarely do you realize how dim your headlights are until you upgrade. Chances are the winter road grim has damaged your lenses to the point where they actually need to be replaced.

Be Well Equipped While Going On A Long Journey
If you are thinking of going on a long road trip in your car, van or RV, then you should read about one of the must have car accessories that I have come across in a long time. The 12v Air Compressor.

Used Car Dealers Are Made Use Of By Men And Women So That They Can Make The Best Decision.
Many people treat cars like a status symbol - that is why auto reviews at used car dealers is so popular and that so many auto information website are on the world wide web. Everyone has heard of the celebrities with massive collections of expensive cars, or custom built garages to accommodate their cars in the heart of an expensive city like New York.

Specialized Rims For Off-Road Wheeling, Car Shows Or Even Merely Cruising
For anyone with even a passing interest in cars they will notice a set of custom wheels as soon as they see them drive down the street.

The Porsche 911 Becomes An Incredible Automobile For Those That Like Fast Cars
For many years now the Porsche 911 has been top of its class when it comes to this type of car. As well as looking great anyone who has had the opportunity to drive this type of sports car will choose never to try any others that come available.

Auto Accident Settlements - Getting Compensated Following An Automobile Accident
Are you looking into auto accident settlements? In this article we are going to talk a little bit more about getting paid when you have been in a car accident.

Car Accident Attorney - How To Acquire More Car Accident Injury Compensation
Are you thinking about hiring a car accident attorney? In this article we are going to talk about how to get more auto accident injury compensation.

Get Started On Comparing Prices For Your Next Low-Cost Car Stereo System
You got the ride, and now it is time to find a car stereo system to go with it. While most cars come equipped with a standard stereo, many people aren't satisfied with the quality and performance of what is installed and want to upgrade to something better

Get Hold Of The Very Best Cheap Car Stereo Systems For Your Loved Ones This Holiday Break
The holidays are coming soon and you find yourself wondering what you will get your loved ones for Christmas.

It Is Actually Easy To Buy Any Used Car
It might sound strange to you, but when I was a kid I loved auto sales. I dreamed about getting the perfect car so looking at used cars for sale was a lot of fun for me.