Here are some great tips to keep your car healthy this summer.

1. Check your air filter monthly. Replace when dirty or part of a tune up. It's easy to reach, right under the big metal lid, in a carbureted engine; or in a rectangular box at the forward end of the air in a duct hose assembly.

2. Be careful around the battery as it can produce explosive gasses. Don't smoke or create a spark while working with the battery. Wear protective glasses and gloves.

3. Inspect belts and hoses. Replace glazed, worn, or frayed belts. Replace bulging, rotten or brittle hoses and make sure the clamps are tight. If a hose looks bad or feels too soft or hard, replace it.

4. Check the brake fluid monthly. Wipe dirt from the brake master cylinder reservoir lid. Pry off the retainer clip, and remove the lid. Ad appropriate fluid if necessary. Check for leaks throughout the system. Do not overfill.

5. Check your oil every time you put gas in your vehicle. Remove dipstick, wipe clean, insert fully, and remove again. If it is low, add appropriate oil. Oil changes should happen every three thousand miles or three months, whichever occurs first. Always replace the oil filter during an oil change.

6. Check beneath your vehicle for loose or broken exhaust clamps and supports. Check for holes in the muffler or pipes. Replace rusted or damaged parts. Make sure to check the emission once per year for compliance with local laws.

7. Make sure your lights are clean and working. Donâ€™t forget the brake lights, turn signals, and flashers. It's not a bad idea to keep a few extra bulbs and fuses in your car. 8. Check the power steering fluid monthly. Remove the reservoir dipstick. If itâ€™s low, add fluid and inspect the pump and hoses for leaks.

9. Look for signs of oil seepage on shock absorbers. Test the shock action by bouncing the car up and down. The car should stop bouncing when you step back. Worn or leaking shocks should be replaced in pairs.

10. Keep your tires inflated to appropriate pressure. Check for cuts, bulges, and excessive tread wear. Uneven wear indicates tires are not aligned right or out of balance.

11. Check transmission fluid each month while the engine is warm and running and the parking break is on. Shift to drive, then to park. Remove dipstick, wipe dry, and check. Add approved fluid if needed. Don't overfill.

12. Make sure your washer fluid is full. Use it to clean wiper blades. Inspect the blades and keep your windshield clean. Replace blades at least once a year, more often if smearing occurs. Don't wait until rubber is worn or brittle.

This information is brought to you by Ken's Tires with locations in Cressona, Pottsville, and Frackville.

Call them at (570) 385-1298 for more information.