Must Have Car Maintenance Before The Dog Days Of Summer
Summer is approaching, and that means vacation is in your sights. There's nothing better than hitting the wide open road to a destination known or unknown unless, of course, your car becomes a victim of the dog days of summer.
Winter isn't the only season that strains a vehicle. Summer can be just as treacherous, which is why before launching into vacation mode, you need to review these must have car maintenance tips.
Perform a Standard Inspection
When you take your car to the shop for an oil change, does the mechanic spot check it? A good mechanic takes a few extra minutes to check your car's fluid levels, top them off, and check the tires. In the process, they sometimes spot brewing automotive issues that they pass on. It's good business for them and a solid heads up for you.
You can perform a similar standard inspection before the heat of summer. You'll want to:
- Check the Tires: Check the pressure and top off as necessary unless you have tires filled with nitrogen. Tires with nitrogen inflation will have blue valves and cannot take regular air. While you're checking the pressure, inspect the tread for dry rot, uneven wear, or balding—all signs that new tires, an alignment, or a rotation are needed.
- Check the Fluids: It doesn't take long to check the oil dipstick and other fluids. Top off any low levels, and if the oil looks gritty, get an oil change. Don't forget to check your windshield washer fluid, too.
- Check the Wipers: It's easy to forget about wiper blades until you're driving through a rainpocalypse and suddenly one or both start to stutter, jump, or fail miserably at wiping the water. Check their wear now. If they show signs of cracking or weathering, replace them.
- Check the Filters: The air filter and the cabin filter are two filters to check. You're about to hit AC weather, and the last thing you want is less than ideal cooling due to old or clogged filters. Also, an old air filter can wreak havoc for those with summer allergies.
Dig Deep Into Mechanics
Your car needs a few key mechanical items to function. One of those is the battery. Have its voltage checked to ensure it's not losing potency with age and use. While you're at it, check to see how the air conditioner is fairing. If it has trouble blowing or blowing cool air, it may need attention.
As you endeavor to stay cool this summer, don't forget that your engine needs to run cool, too. The thermostat should never rise beyond its usual point, and if it does, it's time to hit the shop.
For more information, contact Jim Stephen's Foreign Car Repair or a similar company.
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