With Memorial Day fully in our rear-view mirror, it’s unofficially summer! It’s time for sun-soaked beaches, all-day pool outings, incredible outdoor memories, and…proper car maintenance?
As the seasons change, so too do the ideal driving conditions of your automobile. Sudden changes in temperature and humidity can wreak havoc on car components, creating a situation that may put a damper on your summer dreams.
But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Even if you’ve newly passed driver’s ed and can’t tell a radio from a radiator, here are some basic, simple tips you can follow to ensure that you’re making the most of these sunny months.
Give Your Tires Some TLC
Your tires are one of the more important things to look out for as the seasons change. Specifically, keep tabs on the tire pressure – air expands at higher temperatures. Over-inflated tires reduce the surface area of the wheels on the road, increasing chances of hydroplaning in a sudden summer storm – and on the flip side, under-inflated tires have a greater chance of overheating and causing a blowout.
Ensure your tires are at an ideal pressure by consulting the reference sticker usually found in the driver-side door. A portable tire pressure gauge can be purchased online for as little as $2; keep one in your car and periodically check your tires.
While you’re at it, check that your tires have proper tread, and aren’t wearing unevenly – after all, you don’t want to put a road trip on hold because of a sudden, unexpected blowout. Consult the Rubber Manufacturer’s Association for more information on tire safety.
Make Sure Your Engine Chills Out
Engines are built to run hot, but the blistering heat of summer can push those limits to dangerous levels. Fortunately, that’s what radiators are for: they transfer heat from the engine to make sure it’s running at peak levels. Take care of your radiator by not only checking the coolant levels, but also ensuring that the fluid is clean. If your fluid looks gross and murky, it’s probably time to flush your coolant and get some fresh new fluids.
Additionally, keep an eye on the many hoses and belts attached to the cooling system. Under high temperatures, these rubber components can deteriorate more rapidly and potentially snap under the weight of extreme heat. Inspect these for soft spots, cracks, and anything that looks out of the ordinary. Remember, a worn-down hose or fan belt costs a few dollars to replace, but a cracked radiator or blown engine can completely kill your wallet.
Keep Your Fluid Levels in Check
Everyone knows the importance of motor oil in making your engine run smoothly, but in the heat of summer, these concerns are doubly important – and extend to all automobile fluids. These engine fluids not only keep things well-lubricated, but also direct heat away from these parts to prevent unnecessary degradation.
The next time you get an oil change (or do it yourself), make sure that brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid are all checked and topped off. Most full-service oil change locations offer these services for free with an oil change, so it won’t hurt the wallet to ask.
Love Your Air Conditioning
Having a fully functional A/C in your car may not seem helpful for car maintenance, but have you considered how cranky people get in a warm, stuffy car? Unhappy drivers lead to unfocused drivers, and unfocused drivers don’t pay attention to what’s going on on the road. Decreasing your risk of accidents, traffic tickets, and other incidents can be as simple as maintaining your air conditioning.
Don’t let A/C issues lead to traffic ticket issues. Get your air conditioning system checked out before the heat affects your mood.
Most importantly, be prepared for any automotive emergencies. This is especially important in the summer, when people tend to go on vacations and long road trips more often. Putting increased stress on your car can lead to a bevy of complications, so take care of your car as best you want and hope for the best on your happy travels.
