A week of driving in sunny, balmy weather may be vacation heaven for your family, but it's pure hell on the family car. Many motorists don't realize that a summer trip's sun and intense heat are as hard on an automobile as chugging through the part-numbing cold of winter.

If you're planning to take a driving vacation this summer, be sure to make extra car care a part of your planning. The AAA of Wisconsin suggests the following precautions before you go:

• Check your Battery. Extreme heat weakens a car's starting power just as extreme cold does. Check fluid levels, if your brand of battery allows it. You'll want to have plenty of juice.
• Coolant is Crucial. Antifreeze keeps your car safer from boil-over than plain water, so make sure yours is at full strength. It couldn't hurt to get a "flush and fill" before you go.
• Tire Trouble is more common in Summer's extreme heat, since the rubber is softer (promoting wear) and air leaks are more likely. Check the tire pressure, using the PSI figure stated on your car's door panel. It's more reliable for your particular model than the info on the tire sidewall.
• Fill the Fluids. Oil plays an important role in cooling your car, and brake fluid shoulders added stress on a steaming hot day. Make sure both are fresh, and filled to the proper level.
• Have a Few Belts. Inspect the belts and hoses in the car before leaving. Both are made of rubber, which softens in high heat. If any are suspect, pick up spares before you go.
• Get AC Service. Have your auto air conditioner checked for proper functioning before heading out. It's wise to have your AC checked as often as Air Comfort Systems checks your home's central air: about once a year during the cooling season.
Perform these easy tasks, and your car should be ready for anything the humid, blistering Summer of '98 can dish out. Now you can turn your attention to the important parts of the vacation -- like which kid gets to sit in the center of the back seat!

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