Your Family's Safety Is Riding on Your Vehicle
May 01 2007 - 12:00PM
Business Wire
With a busy summer travel season ahead, The Pep Boys � Manny, Moe
& Jack (NYSE:PBY), the nation�s leading automotive aftermarket
retail and service chain, offers families information on how to
prepare for safe summer travel and, in turn, save gas and prevent
potential breakdowns. While an estimated 30 million motorists will
hit the road on Memorial Day alone, an ill-prepared vehicle could
stall road trip plans. �Pep Boys recommends that motorists seek
preventive maintenance inspections and services to make sure their
vehicle�s mechanical and electrical systems, as well as the brakes,
battery and transmission, are able to perform optimally in hot
summer driving conditions,� said Joe Cirelli, senior vice president
of service at Pep Boys. �A well-maintained vehicle is also an
effective way to increase fuel efficiency.� As a company committed
to public safety, Pep Boys also advocates the safety and well-being
of everyone traveling this season. Pep Boys reminds motorists to
never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle, even for a
minute. The sun can heat up a parked car very quickly; interior
temperatures can soar from 78 to 125 degrees in approximately eight
minutes. Critical areas to consider include: Preventive Maintenance
Make automotive maintenance and service a year-round investment.
Your vehicle will last longer, and you will gain peace of mind. Pep
Boys offers a complete lineup of preventive maintenance packages at
various mileage intervals that meet your manufacturer�s
requirements to keep your vehicle running at its peak. Preventive
maintenance is the key to any dependable vehicle. Air Conditioning
System A well-functioning air conditioning system is essential
during hot weather, high humidity (such as rainstorms) and high
pollution. It is important to have your system checked periodically
and have regular maintenance performed to avoid the discomforts of
driving without ventilation, and to ensure the A/C is working
efficiently. Cooling System Failures in the cooling system are a
major cause of breakdowns during road trips. Be sure to check for
leaks in the radiator and heater hoses. Antifreeze increases the
boiling point of your coolant and is important to check as well.
Flush the cooling system every 30,000 miles or according to the
vehicle manufacturer�s recommended maintenance schedule. Engine
Drive Belts Engine drive belts operate important parts attached to
the engine, such as the alternator, water pump, power steering pump
and air conditioning compressor. These belts should be checked
regularly for cracks, dry-rot, glazing, uneven wear and frayed
edges. If belts slip or break, it could mean a breakdown, loss of
air conditioning, engine overheating or even a loss of steering. If
equipped, the condition of the timing belt is also very important
because, if this belt breaks, it can cause immediate and
potentially expensive internal engine damage. Tires, Steering &
Suspension Potholes caused by harsh winter weather can take a toll
on tires, steering and suspension components and your alignment.
So, prior to summer, it is important to check the tires for
dangerous sidewall breaks and excessive or uneven tread wear. Pep
Boys can perform a free tire air pressure check to catch under- or
over-inflation, which can lead to performance and operation
problems, as well as safety concerns. When a car pulls to one side
while steering or braking, it can be an indication of suspension
problems or the need for wheel alignment. Brakes Drivers should
have their brakes inspected, including all brake linings, hardware
and hydraulics if the last inspection occurred more than 24,000
miles or 12 months ago. The hydraulic system should be assessed for
leaks and proper operation. "Sponginess" or "drop" in the brake
pedal, a tendency for the car to pull to one side when braking,
squealing noises coming from the brakes or a drop in the master
cylinder's fluid level all can signify problems. Battery Have your
battery tested, particularly if it is over three years old.
Visually inspect the battery to make sure the connections between
the cables and terminals are tight and there is no sign of
corrosion. Transmission Transmission problems can be bad any time
of year, but are especially troublesome during long family trips or
with your favorite boat or trailer in tow. Erratic shifts or
slippage should be examined before more serious troubles arise. A
transmission fluid exchange safely removes virtually all of a
transmission�s old, contaminated fluid, as well as varnish and
sludge deposits. It also cleans the transmission�s cooler, valve
body and torque converter to remove wear metals that slowly grind
away your transmission's internal components. This service
thoroughly cleans your car's transmission and protects it with
fresh automatic transmission fluid and conditioners that revitalize
the seals and o-rings. About Pep Boys Pep Boys has 593 stores and
over 6,000 service bays in 36 states and Puerto Rico. Along with
its vehicle repair and maintenance capabilities, the Company also
serves the commercial auto parts delivery market and is one of the
leading sellers of replacement tires in the United States.
Customers can find the nearest location by calling 1-800-PEP-BOYS
or by visiting pepboys.com.
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