TV ads for sports beverages that are formulated to keep your body properly hydrated, while restoring vitamins and minerals that you need to perform properly under hot and demanding conditions, should serve as a reminder that your car is much like the body of a world-class athlete. When sufficiently fueled and fortified with the proper fluids; your car, truck or SUV should get you from the starting block to the finish line, without working up a sweat or stopping for a breather along the way.

The next time you are cooling off with a sports drink after running or working out, take a few minutes to make sure your car's engine is also properly hydrated. (Caution: Attempting to remove radiator cap when system is hot can result in severe burns and other injury. Allow sufficient time for engine to cool after driving.)

1. Pop the hood

2. Find the coolant reservoir (usually a white, semi-clear plastic receptacle with black cap) and look to see if the coolant level is at or near the FULL COOL indicator line.

3. If the vehicle's coolant system level is low, add a 50-50 mixture of antifreeze-coolant and clean water.

That's it! This simple procedure can save you hundreds and even thousands of dollars in engine repairs, along with helping to ensure that you and your passengers are not stranded in cold and unsafe conditions.

To make it even easier to maintain your car's cooling system, leading manufacturers have introduced advanced global formula products that can be used in any automobile, regardless of make, model, year or original antifreeze color including coolants from GM, Ford and Chrysler.

If you can't remember the last time you checked the antifreeze in each of your family vehicles, you should definitely take a few minutes to make sure they have a sufficient fill of antifreeze before winter weather arrives.

If you changed your antifreeze recently, but your system level is low, this may be an indication that you have a leaky hose or loose radiator hose clamp. Any hoses that show signs of wear, leakage, cracking or rotting should be replaced. After making necessary repairs, use an antifreeze ball tester (available at any auto parts store) to make sure that the antifreeze-to-water ratio is correct. Then, top-off with a "ready to use" mixture of antifreeze and water.

If your coolant system level is drastically low or the glycol-to-water ratio is not correct, you might consider flushing the system and then filling it with a fresh antifreeze and water mixture to bring it back within operating specifications. Flushing and filling a car's cooling system with a fresh mixture of antifreeze and water is easier than most people think. It's one of the smartest things vehicle owners can do to protect their investment and help ensure uninterrupted performance.

The Flush and Fill process can be broken down into 10 Easy Steps:

• Step 1: Clean the radiator
• Step 2: Place a drain pan
• Step 3: Remove the radiator pressure cap
• Step 4: Inspect the pressure cap & hoses
• Step 5: Drain the radiator
• Step 6: Rinse the radiator
• Step 7: Add the coolant and water mixture
• Step 8: Bleed the system
• Step 9: Replace the pressure cap
• Step 10: Clean up

For details about these steps and the importance of maintaining your vehicle's cooling system or to learn more about the advanced technology that goes into universal antifreeze-coolants, visit www.peakantifreeze.com or call (800) 323-5440.