Whether you were one of the 1.4 million people who bought a pickup truck in the first half of 2018 or you’ve had the same car for years, it’s important to do whatever you can to keep your vehicle in good shape, that is, having regular auto maintenance, windshield repair if needed, checking your vehicle’s engine, etc. And while car care should be a priority all year long, it’s especially important to keep your vehicle in good condition in the summer. The heat can do a surprising amount of damage to vehicles, so keep your car in good working condition all summer long with these simple tips.
Refill Your Fluids
The fluids in your engine are important to keep your car running — and they play a critical roll in keeping your vehicle cool in the heat. Fluids help with cooling, lubrication, and even corrosion control, so it’s essential to make sure they’re at the proper levels. If your fluid levels are low, there could be an increased possibility of your engine overheating. So to avoid this, you should routinely check your fluids, including coolant, oil, brake fluid, and transmission fluid. In doing this, you can ensure your vehicle has the fluids it needs to not only run properly, but run well in the heat.
Change the Air Filter
After winter and spring, there’s bound to be a lot of debris clogging the air filter in your car. Not only will debris clogging your filter make the air in your car less fresh, but it can also cause your cooling system to work harder — and if your cooling system is forced to work harder, it may wear out or become damaged sooner. And the last thing you want in the summer is a car without air conditioning. So take a few minutes to take out your current filter and either clean it or replace it for fresh, cool air all summer long.
Check Tire Pressure
Your engine isn’t the only part of your vehicle that can become damaged by the heat — your tries can take a beating during the summer, too. So make sure to have extra brand new or used car parts ready. Hot weather can cause tires to expand, which can lead to a blowout. This is especially true when driving on bumpy roads or driving for long periods of time at once. You should always check your tire pressure before a long road trip and continue to check it regularly. When your tires have the right pressure, you can enjoy a smooth ride. And don’t forget to check the pressure in your spare, too. Along with tire pressure, make sure to check the tread — while most used cars have had three owners, tires need to be replaced frequently to ensure they have the proper tread needed to grip the road.
Take a Look at the Battery
Heat can do just as much damage, if not more, to a car battery as the cold. High temperatures and excessive vibration are not good for car batteries — this is why it’s important to check your battery to ensure it’s properly mounted and clean. If there is corrosive buildup, make sure this is cleaned out to ensure your battery can run as best as possible. Additionally, check the clamps holding the battery to ensure they’re tight. And while you can’t control the weather, you can have your battery looked at by a professional to determine whether or not it’s in good working condition.
While summer is often a time for fun, it’s still important to take care of your vehicle. Consider that in South Carolina, car accident rates are 62% higher than the national average. Additionally, if you have cars that can no longer be repaired as a result of car accidents, then you may consider selling these to a junk car removal service instead.
Taking care of the vehicles we drive can help keep us safer on the roads. So keep these simple summer car care tips in mind to ensure your vehicle is in good working condition to take you wherever your summer plans lead.
