It’s almost summer and that means summer road trips are just around the corner. To make the most of summer travel your vehicles need to be in top condition. Summer brings its own special challenges for car care. Let’s take a look at six of the most important summer car maintenance jobs you should pay attention to.
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Oil Changes
School may be out for the summer but you can’t get lazy on oil changes. Oil changes are one of the most significant car care chores you will perform for your vehicle. During the summer months, oil changes are even more important. Intense heat and added debris in the air can really do a number on your engine. Getting regular oil changes will ensure that your engine is running smoothly, and it will give you a chance to change filters that perform crucial work inside the vehicle. The last thing you want is to slow down your summer plans with car problems, so stay on top of oil changes.
Check Fluids
Oil isn’t the only fluid you should be concerned with. There are many different types of fluid that keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely. If you are planning to travel this season make sure to check out your transmission fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, and windshield wiper fluids. You will especially want to keep a watch on coolant as you will be blasting the AC most of the time. Road trips are a lot more fun with air conditioning. If you are not familiar with or comfortable checking these items, it’s a great idea to schedule an appointment at a nearby dealership or mechanic so they can have a look.
Check Tire Pressure and Condition
Don’t forget about your tires! If you want to get where you’re going, your tires need to be in healthy shape. It is very unsafe to travel far distances on worn-down tires. Be sure to have worn-out tires replaced before travel. It is also a good idea to keep a check on your tire pressure. This can help you identify problems with your tires early on. Outside temperatures can really affect how quickly your tires lose air pressure. Summer is no time to ignore this important car task.
Check Out Alignment Before Travel
If you are planning a road trip of any length, it is a good idea to evaluate your tires’ alignment. When tires do not wear evenly it can cause damage and even create an unsafe driving situation for you. It is a good idea to have tire alignment checked by a professional.
Check Your Battery
Car batteries tend to get ignored until they die. You don’t want your summer road trip to come to a screeching halt due to a faulty battery. During the summer high temps will increase the rate of fluid loss and can create oxidation of your battery. This could result in getting stranded and if you are traveling you might get stranded somewhere unfamiliar. Some shops offer free battery tests. This would be a great idea before heading out on the open road.
Check Brakes
Brakes are a crucial aspect of your car’s safety. Problems can arise with brakes relatively quickly, so it is a good idea to have your brakes inspected before travel. If your vehicle is making grinding noises when you stop, or you are feeling that the brakes are not stopping as easily as before, this could be a sign that your brakes are already in need of replacement. Putting off this important bit of car maintenance can be both unsafe and expensive later on. By visiting this site you can know about car ac repair.
Protect Your Car From Summer Weather
Summer weather can be unpredictable with sudden thunderstorms and even tornadoes in some places. Be sure to protect your vehicle with an outdoor car cover when not in use during the summer.
