Summer beckons with road trips and adventures, eliciting a sense of freedom and excitement. However, it’s critical to pause amidst this excitement and ensure your vehicle is primed for the journey. This involves checking tire maintenance, performing timely oil changes, and ensuring your engine coolant is adequately filled to avoid any hitches on your travels. Let’s delve into some essential car care tips for summer that could save you from hefty repair bills and keep your road trips smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Car Care Tips for Summer
When the temperature rises, your car’s maintenance needs can shift significantly. The summer heat not only demands more from you but also from your vehicle. Being proactive about your car maintenance is the best way to avoid unexpected repairs that can derail your travel plans and hurt your wallet.
Tire Maintenance
Why is tire upkeep so crucial? Well, consider this: tires are literally where the rubber meets the road. Proper tire maintenance ensures safety and efficiency. A quick and easy trick to check your tread depth involves just a penny. Insert it into the tread with Lincoln’s head facing down; if you can see all of his head, it’s time for a tire change. Additionally, uneven tread wear can signal inflation issues or alignment problems, which a professional should address. Before you embark on your journey, make sure to check your tire pressure, secure the valve stem caps, and confirm that the lug nuts are tightened properly. And don’t forget about the spare!
Oil Changes
Think of oil as the lifeblood of your engine. Before you set off, consider how far you’re planning to travel. If your trip mileage might exceed your oil’s life expectancy, get an oil change. Opt for a high-quality synthetic oil like AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil for superior engine protection, which not only fights horsepower loss but also offers greater resistance against wear and tear. Such preemptive action keeps your engine running smoothly, even under the strain of summer heat.
Engine Coolant Check
Summer heat can push your engine temperature towards critical limits. Therefore, checking your antifreeze and coolant levels is a must. Make sure the coolant level is adequate, ideally between the “cold” and “hot” marks in your reservoir. Low levels could indicate a leak, which needs fixing to avert engine overheating. If your coolant looks contaminated, consider a system flush and fill it with a high-quality product like AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant, ensuring your engine stays cool under summer’s scorching sun.
Additional Summer Car Care Tips
Beyond tires, oil, and coolant, there are other vehicle components that require attention to ensure safety and reliability during summer.
Air Conditioning System
No one wants to be stuck in a hot car in peak summer! Test your air conditioning system before your trip. It’s about more than just comfort; an inefficient AC can be a sign of bigger issues like leaks or compressor problems.
Brake Inspection
Your brakes are paramount when it comes to safety. Check your brake pads and fluid levels. If you find the fluid cloudy or low, it may be time for a change. Consider using a high-performance option like AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid, which ensures reliable braking even in high temperatures common during summer.
Battery and Lights Check
Lastly, ensure your car’s battery is in good health, and all lights, including headlights, brake lights, and turn signals, are functioning correctly. This not only ensures your safety but also that of other road users.
In conclusion, summer brings not just warmth and sunshine but also the call of the open road. By following these preventative car care tips for summer, you equip your vehicle to handle the heat and ensure a stress-free, enjoyable journey, filled with memories instead of mechanics.
