- Fan. Have electric fan or fan clutch checked for proper operation.

The electric fan or fan clutch is located between the engine and the radiator.

Use caution as some electric fans may start with the vehicle not running.

- Belts. Loose belts should be tightened. Badly worn belts should be

replaced. Loose or worn belts can slip or in worst cases break. Typically

these type belts turn accessories such as waterpumps, A/C compressors, power

steering pumps and alternators. All are critical for proper vehicle operation.

- Engine. Periodically clean excess oil and dirt from engine exterior.

Do not, however, spray at extreme pressure as water can enter and damage

sensitive electrical connectors. A regular garden hose without a nozzle would

be a sufficient cleansing mechanism.

- Heater hoses. Check for cracks and swelling. Have them replaced if

necessary. Most heater hoses run between the water pump area and near the

firewall or back of the engine compartment. These hoses connect with the

vehicles heater core.

- Fluids. Check oil and transmission and brake fluids monthly (twice

monthly in summer) and before long trips. If brake fluid is low, do not top

off; instead, have your brakes inspected. Proper fluid levels assure that

critical vehicle systems will be properly lubricated. Over filling can cause

foaming and reduce fluid flow resulting in engine or transmission damage.

With engine warm

- Thermostat. The upper radiator hose should be cool to touch until

the thermostat opens. At that point, a noticeable increase in temperature

should be felt. If you do not experience the increase in temperature, the

thermostat may need replacing. Also, use caution when performing these tests

as faulty hoses could cause scalding.

- Heater hoses. If they remain cool while heater is operating, the

heater core may be blocked or the vehicle may have a malfunctioning heater

control valve. This can sometimes be repaired or cleared by a flushing procedure.

Your service facility can advise you on this.

Beyond the above precautions, the car doctor reminds motorists to have their

cooling systems cleaned at intervals specified in your owner's manual, usually

about every 30,000 miles. "Flush and fill service helps prevent rust

and corrosion," Burrows stresses. "In addition, it balances the

pH (acid/base) level to assure long radiator and engine life as well as proper

freeze and boil-over protection."

The car doctor also advises that you have your cooling system pressure-tested "to

detect leaks in hoses, pinholes in the radiator, and problems with seams

and connections."

Precision Tune Auto Care has been a pioneer for more than 25 years in advanced

diagnostic training and development, and is the one stop shop for scheduled

maintenance, service and repairs for autos, SUV's and Minivans. Servicing

2.5 million vehicles each year PTAC operates more than 440 state-of-the-art

professional service facilities throughout the world and is a leader in educating

the driving public on the importance of car care for personal safety and

the health of the environment.