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As we head into the last month of spring and with summer travels on the horizon, now is the perfect time to get your vehicle ready for the warm summer months ahead.
From checking your car’s fluids to inspecting your tires and battery, a little maintenance now can save you from big headaches dealing with a roadside breakdown when temperatures start to sizzle.
Schedule these simple maintenance steps with your advisor to avoid summer strain on your vehicle. An inspection by a certified mechanic also can identify any other potential issues to address.
Ask your service advisor to look at all critical components to help your vehicle beat the heat this summer:
Check your fluids. Summer weather places extra strain on your vehicle's cooling system, engine oil, and other critical fluids. Top off the coolant, oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid.
The procedure needs to be inspected when the engine is cool for an accurate reading. Old, dirty fluids no longer offer reliable protection and may need to be flushed and replaced.
Inspect tires and ensure proper inflation. Underinflated tires are a big no-no for summer driving. Not only does it put you at risk for a dangerous blowout, but low tire pressure also decreases your vehicle's fuel efficiency.
Check that each tire, including the spare, has the proper inflation to the manufacturer's specifications. Look for the recommended PSI in your owner's manual. Let your service advisor know about cracks, bulges or other signs of wear you see.
Check wheel alignment. Proper alignment affects tire wear and also steering. Road hazards like potholes, even curbs, can easily knock wheels out of their optimal positions.
Since alignment angles are so precise, ask your advisor to review your car’s alignment when you get your tires rotated, balanced, or replaced.
Having the alignment checked periodically helps catch any misalignment issues early before creating uneven tire wear or jeopardizing vehicle safety and handling. Extend the life of your tires and improve driving safety before your next excursion.
Test your battery. Hot weather is just as taxing on your battery as cold winter temps. Have your battery tested to ensure it has enough charge to make it through those scorching summer days when you're running the air conditioning constantly.
If the battery is more than three years old, consider replacing it proactively to avoid getting stranded.
Replace windshield wipers. After the winter and spring seasons, May is the ideal time to swap out worn windshield wiper blades that could smear in the summer sun. Check for any cracks, splits or other signs of deterioration on the rubber blade and replace them if necessary.
Let your A/C chill. Avoid a malfunctioning air conditioning system during a heatwave and call for an A/C system inspection. Does the A/C system cool insufficiently or make strange noises?
Perhaps it’s a simple fix such as recharging refrigerant. An inspection can help identify worn parts and avoid costly repairs if left unaddressed–and prevent breakdowns when traveling far from home.
Service your brakes. With increased summer traffic from vacationers, having properly working brakes is non-negotiable for safety.
If your vehicle’s pads are wearing thin or you notice any issues like a spongy pedal, strange noises or smells, or the car pulling to one side when braking, don't put off having your brakes checked and serviced.
Fix a cracked windshield. Harsh winters and fluctuating spring temperatures can cause any little crack in your windshield to expand. Bring your windshield in for repair before your small chip or crack turns into a lengthy, lightning-shaped crack that requires an expensive window replacement.
Inspect car hoses and belts. Cold winter temperatures can lead to cracks in engine hoses and belts. Cracks in hoses can turn into major leaks come warmer days.
Do you hear any squealing belts? Belt squeals are often caused by worn belts or belts that should be tightened. Ask your mechanic to check the belt tension and inspect for cracks. A broken belt can cause your engine to overheat and leave you stranded.
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