Winter is known to wreak havoc on cars. Road salt can rust cars, and the subzero conditions can drain car batteries. We know to wash our cars when possible to remove debris and to check the health of our batteries (or at least carry jumper cables). What many people do not realize is that as important as it is to prep cars for the winter months it is important to do the same for the warmer months. Summer’s heat and stop-and-go traffic will take its’ toll on vehicles. You can help keep your vehicle in good shape with periodic maintenance. The following are some tips that will help keep your vehicle in tip-top shape during those warm summer months.
Air conditioning is rarely used during the winter, so it is important to check how the A/C system functions as the temperatures begin to warm up. Run the A/C for a period of time to see if it still blows cold air. Air conditioners that are not functioning properly may need to be cleaned, repaired, or recharged.
The cooling system works to keep your engine cool, protecting it from corrosion. In the summer months, the coolant can reach higher than optimal temperatures causing the car to overheat. To prepare your car for the summer months check the radiator and hoses for any leaks or cracks. Additionally, check the antifreeze levels. The reservoir should be half full, and if it is low, add more fluid.
Windshield wipers take a lot of damage during the winter as they were being used to help defrost and thaw windshields. Ice can tear and pull at the rubber on the wipers, which are important to have throughout the summer to remove dirt and rain water. Already damaged wipers can become worse during warm weather as the heat can dry out the rubber. To check the condition of your wipers, run them with washer fluid to see whether they streak the windshield.
It is time to remove your winter tires and replace them with ones for summer. Summer tires have a less aggressive tread, which gives greater speed and higher fuel efficiency. Tires must be changed over by professionals. However, if you do not want to bother with summer and winter tires, all-season tires are a great alternative.
Summer time brings thunderstorms and rain that make brakes wet. Wet brakes are less responsive, and worn down brakes will be greatly affected by these conditions. Routinely have your brakes checked professionally. The warm weather allows brakes to heat up quickly, which wears pads down at a faster rate.
Oil and oil filters should be changed every 3000 miles or every three months. Oil is needed to lubricate the engine, which cools and cushions all the moving parts and prevents engine failure. Changing the oil at regular intervals will prevent problems with the engine caused by a lack of oil or aged oil. A greater amount of traveling happens during the summer months, and miles are put on vehicles at a faster rate. Be sure to track your mile usage, and remember to routinely change your oil. Not only do routine oil changes prolong the life of your car, but they allow your mechanic to keep an eye on other systems in your car (i.e. brakes, tires, cooling system, etc.).
Getting your car ready for the warmer months is important in order to keep your vehicle running smoothly. The above are a few tips to keep in mind as summer quickly approaches. To schedule a maintenance appointment, contact us.