As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, summer invites us to embark on road trips, beach outings, and scenic drives. While the warm weather is perfect for these adventures, it can be tough on your vehicle. To ensure a smooth and safe ride throughout the season, it’s essential to perform some key maintenance tasks. Here’s a comprehensive guide for summertime vehicle maintenance.
1. Check and Maintain Your Cooling System
The summer heat can put extra stress on your vehicle’s cooling system. The last thing you want is your car overheating in the middle of a road trip. Here’s how to keep your automobile in top shape:
- Radiator Fluid: Ensure your radiator is filled with the correct mix of coolant and water. The right balance prevents overheating and protects your engine.
- Hoses and Belts: Inspect hoses for leaks and ensure belts are in good condition free of any cracks. Replace if any show wear.
- Radiator Cap: Check the radiator cap for any damage. A faulty cap can cause coolant leaks and overheating.
2. Inspecting Your Tires is a Standard Vehicle Maintenance Item
Hot pavement can be especially brutal on tires, so more frequent checks in the summer months are crucial:
- Tire Pressure: Check your tire pressure more frequently, as heat can cause it to fluctuate. In addition, properly inflated tires improve fuel efficiency and handling, saving you money since you are likely to be driving more in the summer months.
- Tread Depth: Ensure your tires have sufficient tread as worn tires can lead to blowouts, especially on hot roads. Read this article for help on inspecting your tires.
- Spare Tire: Always have a new or like new spare tire in/under your vehicle. Also, don’t forget to include your spare tire when you check the pressure of the other four tires on your car. An easy vehicle maintenance tip that brings peace of mind when you need to use your spare tire – you will know it is good to go.
3. Test the Air Conditioning System – A Key Vehicle Maintenance Item for Summer
A well-functioning air conditioning system is a summer necessity especially for areas that hit triple digits:
- Performance Check: If your AC isn’t cooling as it should, have it inspected. It might need a recharge or there could be a leak in the system.
- Cabin Air Filter: Also, replace the cabin air filter regularly to ensure you’re breathing clean air and that your AC runs efficiently.
4. Monitor Fluid Levels
Fluids are the lifeblood of your vehicle. Ensure they’re at proper levels before heading out on a road trip:
- Engine Oil: Check the oil level and condition of the oil. Summer driving can be tough on the engine, so consider an early oil change as part of your summer vehicle maintenance if it’s close to being due anyways.
- Transmission Fluid: Low or dirty transmission fluid can lead to shifting problems and transmission damage which cause excessive wear on the engine components. Make sure it is clean and filled.
- Brake Fluid: Inspect the brake fluid level and top it up if necessary. Brakes are crucial for summer driving safety.
- Windshield Washer Fluid: Keep this filled to ensure clear visibility. Summer road trips often mean a lot of bugs and debris hitting your windshield.
5. Check Your Battery
Heat can accelerate the chemical reaction in your car’s battery, leading to a shorter lifespan:
- Battery Terminals: Ensure they are clean and free of corrosion. Clean them with a mixture of baking soda and water if needed.
- Battery Charge: If your battery is more than three years old, have it tested. Consider replacing it if it’s weak.
6. Inspect Brakes
With summer driving often including long trips and varied terrains, ensuring your brakes are in top condition is vital:
- Brake Pads and Rotors: Check for wear and replace them if they are thin or damaged as part of your summertime vehicle maintenance.
- Brake Lines: Inspect for any signs of leaks or damage and get repaired as soon as possible.
7. Clean and Protect Your Car
Summer sun can damage your car’s exterior and interior:
- Wash and Wax: Regular washing and waxing protect the paint from UV rays and dirt. Make sure your vehicle maintenance plan includes keeping your automobile exterior protected.
- Interior Care: Use sunshades to protect the dashboard and seats from cracking and fading. Regularly clean and condition leather seats to keep them supple to avoid tears.
8. An Emergency Kit is Also Part of Vehicle Maintenance
Ensure your vehicle is equipped with a summer emergency kit to include:
- Essentials: Items such as water, non-perishable snacks, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, and basic tools are perfect in case you get stranded on the road or lost on your adventure.
- Breakdown Supplies: Keep jumper cables, a tire repair kit, and a portable phone charger in your car. This will ensure those helping you have the tools necessary to get you back on the road quickly.
