How‌ ‌Do I ‌Prepare‌ My ‌Car‌ ‌for‌ ‌Summer‌?

It may still be spring, but is your vehicle ready for the intense heat of the summer months to come? Both the heat and the harsh rays of the sun can affect everything from the paint job to the tires and even the internal components of your vehicle.

By following a few steps, you can help better prepare your car for the approaching adverse weather conditions of the steamy summer months. Regardless of the type of car that you drive, these steps require your attention soon.

1. Check the Tires

Depending on where you live, it may be time to replace winter tires with all-season or summer tires. In some places, certain snow tires even need to be removed from vehicles by a certain date to avoid damaging the surface of roads.

As the temperature rises, the air pressure in the tires will need to be adjusted. Pay attention to the reading on your tire pressure monitor and adjust promptly to avoid unnecessary tire wear. If you aren’t sure what the tire pressure should be in your vehicle, you can find this information in either the driver’s side door or the owner’s manual. A quick internet search can even turn up results if you don’t have access to either of those.

If you need assistance with adding air to your tires, stop by your local tire shop. Oftentimes they will even check your tires for free for things such as damage and items lodged in the tire before they fill them for you.

2. Service the Engine

You should service your vehicle’s engine with an oil change and filter replacement every 2,000-10,000 miles depending on the engine and oil types, per what is advised in the owner’s manual of the vehicle. This will keep your engine from locking up, especially since oil acts as a lubricant for all its internal parts.

Also, be sure to include an inspection of other internal components of the vehicle such as belts and hoses to ensure these parts did not experience too much wear and tear during the winter driving season. Treated roads can leave these worn down after the long winter months.

Be sure to check the battery’s terminals for signs of corrosion and inspect the battery power level as well. A mechanic may review the brake fluid, coolant, transmission, and other essentials through a seasonal inspection service. If you aren’t sure about the function of something on your vehicle, ask your mechanic when you take it into your spring service appointment.

3. Prepare the AC System

No one wants to be stuck out in the heat during the sweltering summer. That’s why now is a great time to find out if your car’s air conditioner requires service well before warm weather arrives.

Take time today to turn the air conditioner on to its highest setting. Strange noises, unusual odors and improper cooling are all signs that your car’s AC system requires service. Scheduling your appointment as early as possible in the spring will ensure that your car is cool even in the summer heat.

4. Check the Wiper Blades

One of the easiest ways to prepare your car for the change of seasons is to replace the windshield wiper blades. Your car’s wiper blades should be replaced periodically, and now could be the right time to do so. This is because wiper blades often wear down over the winter months when exposed to snow, ice, and cold temperatures.

In addition to replacing the wiper blades, refill the washer fluid canister. If you are unsure of where this is located, you can find all the information in the owner’s manual.

5. Detail the Car

Between road salt and many other types of grime, the car’s exterior could be filthy. Some of the elements could damage the car’s paint and clear coat which may even lead to corrosion.

Exterior and interior detailing do more than improving aesthetics. They also can protect the vehicle from unnecessary damage and keeps your vehicle in tip-top shape.

Summer season is almost here

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