Check pressure, fluids on vehicle

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nicole Leidholm
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  With the warm weather on the rise and children out for the summer, many families look forward to taking family trips.

But with temperatures already hitting triple digits, here are some tips to keep drivers from finding themselves stranded on the side of the road.

"Ensure the maintenance on the vehicle is up to date," said Mike Druding, Travis Auto Hobby Shop manager. "Check with the owner's manual and that the correct maintenance is done at the correct mileage intervals."

Drivers should make sure that fluids on their cars get changed on time.

"I come here five times a year to change my oil," said retired Chief Master Sgt. Steve Rotondo, who served with the 60th Civil Engineer Squadron.

Tire pressure should also be checked. As the temperature rises during the summer months, tires lose pressure. When this happens the tires drag as the car is in motion and the tread causes friction. This reduces the car's gas mileage and puts more strain on your car's engine.

"Be sure to check the tire pressure to determine the proper tire pressure levels," Druding said. "This can be found in the driver's side door or the owner's manual."

This sticker contains guidelines for proper tire pressure as per the manufacturer. It is recommended to check your tires with a gauge twice a month and before any long road trips. It is also important to inspect the tires for cracks, bubbles, blemishes and punctures as these can affect the pressure.

If families plan to travel, they should get new wipers as well, Druding said.

"Have a mechanic go over the vehicle," he said. "At the hobby shop, we do a safety inspection with an oil change where we check fluid levels, brakes, tire pressure and any obvious damage. We can do most preventative maintenance."

The hobby shop has two full-time mechanics available on a first-come first-serve basis. It also has a self-help shop where anyone with access to the base is welcome to come in and work on their own car. All tools, lifts and computers are available to them. The hobby shop also will provide training on all equipment.

"I drive from Sacramento and change the oil on both my vehicles," Rotondo said. "It's cheaper than taking it anywhere else when I do the work myself."

The hobby shop is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. The shop is closed Sundays and all federal holidays.

For more information on rates and services the hobby shop provides, call 424-5300.