Did you know you should take certain maintenance steps to prepare your vehicle for summer? Summers can be brutal on automobiles. Preventative maintenance can extend the life of your car and keep you safe. These 10 vehicle maintenance tips from K&S Car Wash will help your car stay sturdy and safe this summer.
The heat can do a number on your vehicle. Some common problems that occur in the summer are:
- Tire blowouts
- Weak battery
- Broken drive belt
- Overheating engine
- Broken air conditioner
Summer and road trips go hand in hand, so make sure your ride is in good working order before heading out. You can avoid heat-related automobile problems by taking simple preventative measures.
Prep Your Vehicle for The Summer Heat
Follow these maintenance tips from K&S Car Wash to keep your vehicle running smoothly during the hot summer months:
- Check fluids and top them off: Heat can cause essential liquids to evaporate (power steering fluid, windshield fluid, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid). It’s wise to check them weekly to ensure vital fluids aren’t running low.
- Check your tire pressure: Make sure your tires are properly inflated. You’re probably familiar with tires losing pressure in the winter, but in the summer, the heat can cause the air pressure to increase, putting you at risk of overinflated tires that could burst. The recommended tire pressure (PSI) should be listed on the driver’s side inside the door and in the vehicle manual (that you should always keep in the glove compartment). Tire pressure indicators are now standard on most vehicles, so check them often to ensure they aren’t overinflated.
- Get an oil change: The engine oil can thin from the heat, meaning your engine doesn’t get the lubricant it needs.
- Check your battery power: Just like the frigid winters can kill your battery, the heat can also impact the life of your battery. If the charge is too low, it’s worth getting a new battery to avoid having your automobile break down.
- Check the belts and hoses: Heat can cause the belts and hoses to crack and become weak. When a belt is damaged or weakened, it could break-causing your vehicle to be immobile.
- Replace the windshield wipers: Heat can damage them, causing them to be ineffective when you need them. You need to have a clear view when driving, not smears and streaks that can block your field of vision.
- Test your AC: Run your air conditioner to listen for unusual noises and check if cold air is blowing. Check the air cabin filter and replace it if needed to help the airflow more efficiently. To be extra cautious, get your freon/refrigerant levels checked at your local auto repair shop, especially if you’re planning a road trip.
- Get a coolant/radiator flush: A flush not only checks for leaks but also cleans out any residue and adds conditioner/lubricant to help it run smoothly. Your vehicle always needs coolant because it carries heat away from the engine and prevents overheating by keeping other parts of the engine cool. The liquid also helps stop corrosion by keeping metal surfaces clean and free of moisture that could cause rust.
- Keep an eye on your gas tank: Don’t let your gas tank get too low. You don’t want to risk getting stranded in the heat because you ran out of gas. Traffic and accidents can’t be predicted; if you’re stuck on the road for an extended period, you risk running out of gas.
- Be prepared for emergencies: Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, especially if you’re going on a summer road trip. Some recommended items to include are:
- A gallon of water per person
- First aid kit
- Non-perishable snacks
- Flares
- Jumper cables
- Flashlights
- Gloves
- Rags/paper towels
We hope these 10 tips from K&S Car Wash help keep your ride in good shape. Summer is meant to be enjoyed and not spent stranded on the side of the road due to a lack of preventative maintenance.
