Summer Car Care Checklist
Temperatures change in summer as the sun shines, making the environment hot. These high temperatures can cause significant wear and tear on your car, so you’ll want to prepare your car for the upcoming weather. Unfortunately, most people forget car maintenance and preparedness for the summer months.
Is your car ready for summer? Get maintenance and car care out of the way before your next summer road trip with this list of Summer car care tips. Regular maintenance can save you money and keep you comfortable on those leisurely summer drives.
1. Check Your Air Conditioning
The last thing you want is to drive in a car without a functional and efficient air conditioner. Unfortunately, the AC in your car could stop working for several reasons and can happen unexpectedly. You should bring your AC in for regular check-ups and other routine maintenance. Some signs that indicate a failing AC System include:
- Low or inconsistent air pressure
- Lack of cold air
- The car quickly overheats with AC turned on.
It is best to schedule repair and maintenance services and let a professional inspect the air conditioner, explain to you how the car’s AC works, and ensure it is functional and ready for the season.
2. Replace Your Windshield Wipers
Windshield wipers deteriorate quickly in winter because of the frequent wiping and airborne debris such as mud, dust, and sand. In addition, old windshield wipers can pose a hazard on the road due to the potentially significant decrease in driving visibility.
Therefore, it is imperative to replace windshield wipers if you notice cracks, splits or skipping. Replacing the wipers on your front and back windshields every 12 months maximizes visibility, reliability, and efficiency.
3. Prepare Your Vehicle’s Exterior
Preparing the exterior part of your vehicle is crucial too. Below are ways to care for your car exterior.
- Wash your car regularly to avoid discoloration.
- Check for scratches and dents to prevent rust.
- Keep an eye out for tires with cracks or dry rot.
- Regularly test your headlights and taillights.
You shouldn’t overlook the exterior elements of your car. They are as vital as the interior elements and play a crucial role in creating comfort when driving in summer.
4. Top Off On Fluids
Vehicle oils and fluids need to be changed at regular intervals depending on how many miles you drive your vehicle. Depending on the type of car, you may need to change the oils after 5,000 or 7,000 miles. Below are elements to consider when bringing your car to your local garage.
- Checking fluids
- Replacing battery
- Scheduling oil change
- Filter replacement
This work is best performed by a professional who understands how different engines operate and the details of correctly changing car oils and essential fluids.
5. Replace The Cabin Air Filter
Changing the oil and air filters helps remove dust, mold spores, pollution, and pollen that accumulate over time. But many people often forget to replace their cabin air filters. With allergens being experienced in spring due to air pollutants, it’d be best to start summer with a fresh filter to keep you and your passengers breathing easy.
6. Change Tires
It is always good to check tire tread and wear before traveling during summer. If you have winter tires, it’d be best to replace them with summer tires. Temperature changes can affect tire pressure and traction, making having the correct type of tires for each season important for safety on the road.
Visit Telle Tire for Summer Vehicle Maintenance
Before starting your summer journey, it is best to have your car inspected, repaired, and maintained. Inspect the air conditioner, tires, oils and fluids, cabin air filters, windshield wipers, and vehicle exterior. Book an appointment with Telle Tire today, and we’ll make sure you have a safe, enjoyable summer.