The dust, heat, and traffic of summer can wreak havoc on your vehicle. Being stuck on the side of the road in the summer sun because the car broke down can take its toll on you and your family as well. Here are some maintenance tips that you can take to protect your car from breaking down this summer:
A/C – An air conditioning system that is work at even a little under perfect is sure to fail in the summer heat. There are many parts and pieces of your air conditioner and they all need to be in top working order for the system to be effective. Have your car’s air conditioning system checked before the summer weather heats up too much.
Cooling – Summer is not only a time for the weather to overheat, but it is also the number one season that cars overheat. Every 24 months, the cooling system in your car needs to be flushed and refilled to ensure that it is working efficiently and keep your engine cool. If this isn’t done, your engine will get too hot and add to that the summer sun and you have a recipe for an overheated car and a cranky passengers
Oil – The owner’s manual for your car specifies how often your oil and oil filter should be changed to ensure that your engine works properly. Make sure to follow this scheduled closely, especially during the summer time. The oil in your car helps to keep parts lubricated so that they aren’t causing friction and generating heat. During the summer it is likely that your car is packed with luggage, camping gear, and other items that increase the overall weight of the vehicle. This added weight causes the engine to have to work harder, making lubrication even more important.
Tires – It is suggested that you have the tires on your car rotated every 5,000 miles. This helps the tires to wear evenly and maintain fuel efficiency. Before going on a trip, make sure to check the tire pressure on your car and keep the air in each tire at the recommended psi. Check each tire to make sure there is enough tread and there aren’t any nicks or cuts. If you notice that your vehicle is pulling to one side while you are driving it, have the alignment checked.
Nothing will ruin the fun of a summer trip faster than a broken down vehicle. Make sure to have these maintenance steps done on your car to ensure a safe and happy vacation.
