Home Alone? What About On the Road Alone?

Dad thought he didn’t need to worry about his teenage daughter on the road now that she had her cell phone.

IBut this is a false sense of security. Relying on a cell phone can’t take the place of intelligent car care. Phone equipped or not, we suggest a complete checkup and servicing of the cooling system.

Neglecting the cooling system can result in overheating, often leading to major damage. In the upcoming cold weather, rubber components like belts and hoses are vulnerable to deterioration.

Radiator and heater hoses, which circulate hot, pressurized antifreeze / coolant throughout the engine, are also subjected to extreme under-hood temperatures all summer, then may be ready to wreak havoc in winter.

Drive belts are driven by an engine pulley to power accessories such as the alternator, power steering pump, cooling system water pump, air conditioner compressor and more. When a belt fails, one or all of these are disabled.

These are just some of the many components and systems we recommend checking and, as needed, repairing or replacing. Compared to depending completely on a cell phone, regular maintenance is the better way to go.

A cell phone is handy, but it's no substitute for regular automotive maintenance.