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1I Wednesday, June 16, 1999 COMMUNITY CALENDAR • LIFESTYLES • SPORTS • COMMUNITY CORRESPONDENCE • TV LISTINGS Æ ¥1 P 11 <•> <fv§ v Get Your Car Ready for Summer Driving Heat, dust, traffic jams and long vacation drives can wreak havoc on not only you, but your car. To avoid the frustrations that often come with summer driving, it is important to make sure that your car, truck and trailer are ready for the change of season. . The best bet is to start your summer with an oil change. Even though motor oil is becoming more technologically advanced all the time, it still has to be changed at regular intervals. Most newer cars use a 5W-30 oil year round, however, if you have an older car, or will be driving at sustained highway speeds during hot weather, 10W-30 is a good choice. A first aid kit, flares, a blanket and a flashlight are basic safely items which should be kept in your car at all times Those towing a boat or trailer, or driving a RV, should consider a heavier viscosity 20W-50 blend made especially for high rpm, highload applications. Overheating is often a problem in the summer and to avoid getting stopped, it is important to keep the engine cool. Transferring heat away from the engine is the main function of a coolant. Like motor oil, however, the additives, in a coolant/antifreeze will eventually wear out leaving an engine unprotected. Coolant levels levels should be checked periodically and the radiator should be flushed and filled in a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water every two years. Drive belts, clamps and hoses should be checked for tightness and wean Hoses, for example, deteriorate from the inside out so it's almost impossible to tell just by looking if they are worn. Batteries also work hard in the summer and the hot temperatures will drain them of energy and make recharging them tough on the electrical system. Today's batteries are durable, but leaving dome or headlights on will drain the electrical system, as will cellular cellular phones left plugged into a cigarette lighter without the motor running. For that reason, jumper cables should be kept in the car year round. Perhaps the best way to get ready for summer summer roads trips is to simply make sure you're prepared. Every car, new or old, can run into trouble and having some basic items handy will keep you from getting overheated when your car does. A first aid kit, flares, a blanket and a flashlight flashlight are basic safety items which should be kept in your car at all times. Keep a bottle of auto glass cleaner and paper towels on hand to remove road grime and bugs for a clear view of the road. A properly inflated spare tire and a jack are essential and you should consider carrying an emergency tire sealer and inflator that temporarily repairs flat tires in minutes. If summer travel includes extensive road trips, severe driving conditions or if your car is prone to break downs, carry a couple of litres of motor oil, a jug of antifreeze/coolant and a basic tool kit. An emergency first aid kit is also a good idea, especially for those travelling off the beaten path. Better Safe Than Sorry The change in season can take a toll on your car or truck especially when summer driving means long road trips and hauling a boat or camper. Regular maintenance including an oil and cooling system check will go a long way to prevent mishaps. Keep your windshield washer fluid topped up and an extra bottle in the trunk. It may sound like n lot when you rend the list but having the right stuff in the car when you go on a road trip can save you a lot of time and hassle if you run Into car trouble, Along with the standard oil, antifreeze and windshield washer fluid it's a good idea to keep jumper cables, a blanket and a first aid kit, All of this can he easily stored in the trunk or hack of the vehicle. Don't Forget to Plan Something for the Kids Now that you've got the camper packed, the route picked and the car loaded, it's time to get the kids buckled in and head out for that vacation. But, before you go you may want to give some thought to how the kids arc going to handle the long drive. What could be a fun journey often turns out to be a tiresome trek for all. The leisurely drive or extended extended road trip you're excited about can be terribly boring, boring, confining and long for your child. "Kids can be good in the car or they can get restless restless fast," says Chris Goad, from Bowmanville Nursery School. "You should have the expectation of good behaviour but you should also put some planning planning into the drive." Games are a great way to amuse kids on a long ride and, whether two or more play together or with mom and dad, here arc a few ideas to get you started, started, I Spy is a good way to pass the time as you drive along, Or, you can make a list of things to find along the trip and see who can check things off first. Keep the list fairly simple. Things like a red barn, railway tracks and a post office cfm be sighted oh almost any route. A game of alphabet where you choose a category and the kids go through the alphabet picking things that start with each letter can work well. Animals, cities and television characters are popular categories. categories. It's challenging for the kids but not too long or hard so they shouldn't get bored. Keeping an eye on the licence plates that pass you by provide another opportunity to keep the kids occupied. Seeing who can add tip the numbers (piickly will not only sharpen their math skills but a little friendly competition may keep their attention. One thing to keep in mind when playing games is to make sure you stop playing while they are still fun; there's no fun in playing a game that's gone on far too long. Music can also help make a long ride scent shorter. shorter. Whether it's the kids' favourite tape playing on the car stereo or each with their own walkman, a little little music could make the time fly. "A sing-along is always popular with kids," says Mrs. Goad. What or how' many games you play depends on how long the trip will be. If the timing of the trip is right, some children will sleep in the car. For those taking kids on long journeys, it is important id schedule breaks. 1 "I have always discouraged eating in the car,'* says Mrs. Goad. "It doesn't hurt to stop every three hours or so to have a snack as a picnic and to gel- some exercise." « For shorter trips, dry cereal and fruit make a good snack along the way and can be eaten without mak/ ing a mess. 1 The final piece of advice - keep some candy or a special surprise gift as a "secret weapon" for travel fatigue. But try to avoid too many sugary treats or you'll be dealing with hyperactive kids. Also, take some juice boxes and bottled water to prevent dehydration, dehydration, The leisurely drive or ] extended road trip you're : excited about can be terribly boring, confinina and long for your child