Now is the time for motorists to be getting their vehicles in shape for the busy summer travel season. The pros at the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, the group that tests and certifies automotive service professionals, remind vehicle owners that good communication between shop and customer can help ensure satisfactory auto service

As a driver's ultimate connection to the road, tires need to be regularly inspected and properly maintained or replaced to preserve their performance and handling characteristics. According to the experts at the Car Care Council, during a recent National Car Care month, 21 percent of the vehicles inspected in check lanes had improperly inflated tires and 16 percent had worn tread and needed replacing.

Preventive maintenance typically implies looking under the vehicle's hood; often, though, it's the chassis underneath the vehicle that's overlooked. According to the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), underperformed vehicle maintenance in the American automotive aftermarket is over $50 billion annually. Brakes, shocks and struts, and chassis components-all located under the vehicle-are among the most neglected parts and, if not properly maintained, can contribute to wheel alignment problems.

What type of tires do you have? Don't know? You're not alone. Most people don't have a clue, and, truth be told, they aren't all that interested in knowing. Even though tires are one of the most technologically advanced part of a car, as well as the only bits that actually touch the road, they are not top-, middle- or even bottom-of-mind for most consumers.

To keep your car on the road to safety and savings, heed these hints before your next long trip: Inspect the driveway-If you see oil where you park, you could have a problem. Have your car inspected by a professional. Fluid levels are key-All fluid levels should be checked and topped up as needed (engine oil, transmission, cooling system, power steering, brake fluid and washer fluid). Using high-quality fluids and regularly changing old fluids improves performance and reliability.

Approximately 50 percent of people say a lack of time is a bigger problem in their lives than a lack of money, according to the 2006 Yankelovich MONITOR "Finding Time Perspective" report. Seventy percent of consumers 16 years and older say they don't have enough time to do all the things they need to do. With such a lack of time, things like servicing a vehicle tend to take a back seat. Because of hectic schedules, drivers seek simple, quick solutions to car repairs so they can focus on daily commitments. Searching through an owner's manual is time consuming and confusing for many people. And when time becomes more valuable than money, technology can help. General Motors and Goodwrench have a number of automotive technologies that make it easier for vehicle owners to maintain and service their vehicles. They help save time by preventing unnecessary maintenance, make it easy to travel safely, as well as preserve gas and oil.

Keeping an eye on your transmission fluid levels can help keep your car running smoothly-and help you avoid costly repairs down the road. Unfortunately, not all cars have transmissions that can be easily checked by the owner. Newer models are frequently made without fluid dipsticks. Called sealed units, these transmissions require an involved process to check fluid levels. The process often involves electronic testing devices, such as a computer scan tool, and needs to be performed by a technician. If your car has a sealed transmission or needs transmission work, it's a good idea to bring it to a certified repair shop to avoid being taken for a ride. Shops displaying the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association (ATRA) seal adhere to a strict code of quality and ethics-and their "Golden Rule" warranty is honored at nearly 2,000 shops throughout the U.S. However, there are still plenty of cars out there with transmissions that owners can check themselves.

College-bound students have one more task to add to their checklist of things to do before classes begin: car care. A well-maintained vehicle is safer and more economical to operate than one that's neglected. In addition there's peace of mind in knowing that the vehicle has been serviced before you head off to college. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, the nonprofit group that tests and certifies automotive technicians.

Here's some hot news for car owners: Summer is the season for major car-battery problems. Virtually everyone who's been through a harsh winter is familiar with the annoyance of a "dead" battery and the need for a jump start. So it may surprise many to know that it's heat, not cold, that shortens battery life. According to the Car Care Council, the average life of a battery is 31/2 years-even shorter in warmer climates. That's because excessive heat and overcharging are the two main reasons for shortened battery life. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, which damages the internal structure of the battery. A malfunctioning component in the charging system, usually the voltage regulator, allows too high a charging rate. That's slow death for a battery. Statistics from a recent National Car Care Month inspection campaign show battery cables, clamps and terminals were found to need maintenance in 17 percent of the vehicles and 9 percent of the batteries were not properly held down.

When standing in the antifreeze/coolant aisle at the local auto parts store, are you left scratching your head? Or is changing your coolant something you won't even consider tackling because it seems too difficult? With multiple formulas to choose from, the antifreeze market has become cluttered and confusing for many motorists. But it doesn't have to be. In fact, there are new formulas that offer a universal solution. For example, Prestone longlife Antifreeze/Coolant is compatible with any antifreeze/coolant - regardless of colour - and can be used with antifreeze/coolant in all makes and models of cars and light duty trucks.