Summer is the season for road trips, traveling, and spending time out on the town enjoying fun in the sun. While the summer heat is perfect for enjoying a on the river or at the beach, it can be demanding on your car. The last thing you want to happen while you’re on the road on a hot summer day is for your vehicle to suffer a breakdown.
Sadly, many people put off a summer car maintenance routine only to have their summer fun ruined by a breakdown. Your car needs a little extra attention to help it through the long, hot days and nights around this time of year. To help your car make it through all the road trips, vacations, and summer traveling, here are some maintenance tips that will help keep your vehicle running its best throughout the hot summer weather.
Check the AC
Nothing can ruin a summer trip faster than being stuck in your car with no AC in 100-degree weather. Before you hit the open road, test your car’s AC. If you get nothing but hot air, try adding a can of Freon. If Freon doesn’t do the trick, have a professional take a look at the AC system to resolve the problem.
Make Sure Tires are Properly Inflated
Tires lose and gain air pressure depending on the outside temperature. Road conditions can also affect the air pressure in your car’s tires. Make sure the air pressure in your tires is at the proper levels (that includes your spare tire) to ensure safe and economical driving. Low tire pressure means poor gas mileage and faster tire wear.
Check Fluid Levels
As weather changes, fluid levels in your vehicle will fluctuate. Cars have a lot of different fluids. Before the summer heat sets in, check all fluid levels, including transmission, power steering, and brake fluid. Most importantly, check your vehicle’s coolant levels. Most vehicle breakdowns occur due to overheating, so it’s best to have a professional inspect your vehicle’s cooling system and other fluids to ensure there are no leaks and all fluids are at proper levels.
Have Your Brakes Inspected
Properly functioning brakes should be a top priority when planning any road trip. After the harsh rigors of winter driving, your brakes will need an inspection to ensure you have adequate stopping power. Even if they seem to be working fine, it’s a good idea to have your breaks inspected by a professional before a long road trip.
Check Your Battery
Extreme summer heat leads to fluid loss in your car’s battery. This can result in oxidation of battery components, battery failure, and loss of battery life. If you have an older battery, it’s a good idea to replace it before the summer heat causes it to fail.
Summer is a time for fun and relaxation. While there’s no guarantee for the perfect vacation or summer road trip, you can take steps to ensure your car performs as it should. Preparing your vehicle for summer weather can help ensure you have a safe and comfortable driving experience all summer long.
