— For our sponsor, Advance Auto Parts, as part of a paid radio sponsorship on WIZS.
Getting ready for that annual vacation and you’ve made a mental to-do list before you pile in the car for that much-needed getaway:
Lights turned off and front door locked? Check.
Stopped by the bank for some cash? Check.
Grocery store for snacks and drinks for the ride? Check.
Popped the hood looking for cracked belts or bad hoses?
Umm, well, no.
Michael Puckett of the Advance Auto Parts store on Raleigh Road says if you see bubbles along hoses or cracking along your vehicle’s belts, it’s probably time to replace them. A blown hose or broken belt can leave you stranded, delaying your arrival to that vacation destination.
If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, Advance offers a loaner tool program to its customers to handle hose clamps and that all-important belt tensioner tool that helps you thread the belt in place.
Not a DIY-er? No problem.
“We have some local shops that we can recommend,” Puckett said, to send customers in the right direction.
It’s important to do a visual check of belts and hoses, but drivers also need to pay attention to those squealing noises coming from under the hood. It could mean a bad pulley or tensioner.
Paying attention to unusual sounds and looking for signs of wear are two good ways to avoid breakdowns and keep your vehicle running well and keeping you safe.
The information contained in this post and accompanying audio is not advice from Advance Auto Parts or WIZS. Safety First! Always seek proper help. This is presented for its informational value only and is part of a paid advertising sponsorship.
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