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Spring is here, and summer is coming. But as the snowbanks shrink and the temperature rises, don’t forget to get your car ready for the heat and stop and go traffic that will soon be upon us, because just like winter – spring and summer require just a little preparation to keep you on the road without issue.

Lessen the odds of mechanical failure and wasted time while maximizing the life of your vehicle with just a few simple tips for the warmer months. 

Cooling System

Overheating is the most common cause of summer breakdowns. Wouldn’t you rather relax on the beach than on the side of the road? About every two years your cooling system should be flushed and refilled. On top of this, the level, concentration, and condition of your coolant should be checked from time to time.  Typically, this includes a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze. In addition, drive belts, hoses, and clamps should be inspected by a professional to ensure they’re in proper condition to keep your car running – no matter the temperature.

Air Conditioning

Air conditioning is a beautiful thing, when it works. After waiting all winter for a nice summer day, you’ll wish you were in the North Pole the minute your air conditioning dies on a hot summer day. A poorly running A/C system will fail in hot weather. Having your system checked by a technician prevents this hot, sweaty inconvenience. It is also good to replace your cabin air filters to ensure the air circulating throughout the car is clean and pure. Need your A/C looked at before summer weather rolls in? Schedule an appointment with us today.  

Engine Performance

With road salt and sand from winter and spring, and the inevitable dust of summer, it’s recommended to have your vehicle’s filters checked every so often (air, fuel, etc). Also, if you’re beginning to notice engine problems, such as rough idling, stalling, reduced power, or hard starts  schedule an appointment today before the potential problem gets any worse.  

Oil

No matter what season it is, keeping up with your oil change schedule will keep your vehicle’s performance at its peak, while also improving your gas mileage.  Ideally, you should change your oil and oil filter as specified in your vehicle’s manual. If you frequently tow a trailer or only drive short distances, you should probably get your oil changed more often (every 3,000-4,000 miles)

Windshield Wipers

Sometimes, when it rains it pours. When that happens, you don’t want to get caught with damaged or subpar windshield wipers. Stay safe on the road, replace worn wiper blades and get plenty of windshield washer fluid.

Tires

We tend to do the most driving in the summer, which serves as a good reminder to maximize the life of your tires. A large part of which is rotating your tires in 5,000 mile intervals. In addition, check your tire pressure once a month (before driving), check for uneven tire wear, and examine your tires for tread depth, nicks, and cuts.

If you begin to notice that your tires are wearing unevenly (use this simple trick to check). If your vehicle seems to drift in your lane – you may need an alignment.  

Brakes

Do you notice persistent screeching noises, grabbing, pulsing, or a longer stopping distance than normal? You might need new brake pads or rotors. Take a look at your vehicle’s manual to get a good idea for how often your brakes should be replaced, and schedule an appointment to get them looked at. Take care of brake issues quickly to prevent potentially dangerous driving conditions.