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THURSDAY, July 7, 2011 8 Pages ROAD TEST Ford sets its sights on subcompact market with the Fiesta PAGE 3 OH NO! I'VE BEEN HIT! You've been in a car accident, what do you do now? PAGE 6 Special pullout section Get your car ready for a summer road trip After months of fighting snow, wind and ice, Canadians are gearing up for summer road trips. The key to a successful trip is all about the planning and preparation-- from your packing list to your roadside travel kit. Here are some tips to make sure your summer road trip is the best it can be: Schedule a full service check-up Avoid the disappointment of spending your vacation at a roadside repair shop by taking the necessary precautions beforehand. A vehicle tune-up and fluid top-up two weeks prior should leave enough time if there are any necessary repairs. Chances are during the winter months, you or your mechanic added more antifreeze to your radiator's coolant mix to prevent it from freezing. In excessive amounts, antifreeze can actually reduce cooling efficiency, resulting in higher engine temperatures. Have your mechanic check the concentration and adjust or change the coolant if required. Choose the right fuel Protect your engine by filling your tank with a high-quality gasoline. "Gasoline primarily contains carbon and hydrogen molecules, and combustion can create a residue, called "gunk", which is a build-up of carbon particles on critical engine parts," explains Ken Mitchell, an engineer from Shell Canada. "All three grades of Shell gasoline contain a Nitrogen Enriched Cleaning System which helps clean-up the performance-robbing gunk left by lower quality gasolines." Pack a travel kit Make sure your bases are covered by packing the following essentials: · A rechargeable flashlight · A first aid kit including a blanket · Non-perishable food and water · Flares and a jumper cable · Extra fluids like transmis- sion oil, washer and brake fluid · A pen, paper and disposable camera in case of an accident · The contact numbers for your insurance agency and your roadside service provider Wherever your epic sum- mer drive takes you-- the TransCanada through the Rockies or through waving wheat fields of the prairies-- these tools can help make sure that summer of 2011 delivers a road trip with the right kind of memories. -- Paul Wells, www.newscanada.com Bratin Auto 82 Main St. N., Georgetown SUMMER MAINTENANCE SPECIAL Includes oil change, tire rotation, battery test, 30 point inspection (on most vehicles) 905-873-6127 To book an appointment. $3995 Expires June 30, 2011