With spring around the corner, it’s time to prepare your car for warmer months. Car maintenance for summer is essential for a smooth and comfortable driving experience. Moreover, the last thing you want is your vehicle unexpectedly breaking down on a sweltering day.
In this post, we’re sharing easy ways to get your car ready for summertime. Take a look.
Inspect Coolant System
The coolant system keeps your car from overheating and helps maintain its temperature, even on extremely hot days. Watch out for any leaks or disconnections in the hoses and reservoir. You should also take a look at the coolant level and top it if required. For most makes and models, the coolant should be flushed and replaced every two years.
Change Air Filter
The air filters of a car tend to collect plenty of debris over time. Clogged-up air filters can adversely impact your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. While you can clean dirty air filters to reuse them, it’s not recommended. Getting new air filters is a better option for improving your car’s mileage.
Check Air Conditioning
Unless you’re fond of profusely sweating on hot days, we suggest inspecting your car’s air conditioning before the start of summer. Everything from the condenser to the cooling fan should be free from any defects.
Is your air conditioning barely blowing air or not cooling properly? It would be best to consult a qualified mechanic for car AC repair.
Essential Fluids
While checking fluids isn’t specific for summertime, it’s one of the most important parts of car maintenance. From changing the oil to replacing worn-out power steering fluid, make sure all essential fluids are routinely checked. Changing the oil regularly ensures the engine has proper lubrication to run smoothly.
Ensure Proper Tire Pressure
Was your car parked for a while? Before you take it out for a drive, make sure the tires are sufficiently inflated. Underinflated tires are usually less stable and can even lead to tire failure.
Head over to a garage to get your tire pressure checked. Additionally, it’s also worth getting the wheel alignment inspected.
Don’t Forget Wipers
Extremely hot days are sometimes followed by rain. When you take your car for servicing, remember to get the wipers checked. Worn-out wipers can leave streaks on your windshield and hinder visibility. Therefore, consider changing them if required.
Consider Getting Windshield Sunshade
A retractable windshield sunshade is an affordable but extremely useful car accessory for summer. Since cars typically tend to heat up in parking lots, sun shades help reduce the overall temperature inside your car.
In some cities, driving with a windshield sunshade is illegal and can lead to fines. Therefore, we urge you to look into local laws before using a sunshade.
Clean Your Battery
If your car has been sitting around for a while, there is a good chance of the battery being dead. Moreover, soaring temperatures can further impact your battery’s life. You should thoroughly clean the battery for smooth performance.
Pack an Emergency Kit
Despite maintenance, there is no way to completely eliminate unforeseen malfunctions. That’s why it’s a good idea to always keep an emergency kit in your car. This kit should include jumper cables, a flashlight, a tyre inflator, and a well-stocked first-aid box. In case you often drive through deserted areas, you should also keep canned food and a few bottles of water.
Final Words
As a car owner, it’s crucial to stay on top of your vehicle maintenance. Routine servicing and timely repairs will likely save you from mechanical failures as well as extend the life of the vehicle. Hopefully, the aforementioned tips will help you prepare your car for sunny days.