Car care in summer

The sun and heat of summer can be hard on your car or truck. Summer is also known for family vacations and road trips. Keeping up with your car’s maintenance and making sure it’s protected against the challenges of summer can prevent you from being stranded somewhere.

fluids

Your vehicle’s fluids, such as motor oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid, should be checked regularly, either by you or by a professional. During the summer months, the most important fluid to monitor is engine coolant, which ironically is also called antifreeze. Fortunately, contemporary cars have a special closed coolant system, making checking or adding coolant easy for car owners. If you decide to take care of the coolant yourself, make sure the coolant level is above the minimum and below the maximum. Remember never to open the radiator cap or coolant tank cap while the engine is hot.

In addition to monitoring the coolant level in your car, you should also check the condition of the hoses and the coolant reservoir. You should look for leaks, especially where there are joints and connections. Also, when the engine is cold, squeeze the hoses, making sure they feel snug and not too soft. In addition to coolant, you should regularly check your oil, brake, power steering, and windshield washer fluids. These car fluids are all necessary for the proper functioning of the car throughout the year.

Air conditioner

Your car’s air conditioning system is especially necessary in the summer months. You may not have thought about it during the winter months, but now is the time to check it out. Using your air conditioner in intermittent traffic can be a drain on fuel economy, but keeping your windows open and your air conditioner running on the highway improves aerodynamics.

If your car’s air conditioning system isn’t cooling down, you probably have a leak in the system. If you have an older model car, you need to make sure that the freon does not leak into the atmosphere. If there is not enough refrigerant in the system, you can recharge it. Have a qualified mechanic check your system and fix the leak before you have to pay to recharge the system or pay for a whole new system.

tires

Air expands as it warms up, so in the summer months it’s important to monitor your tire pressure. Also, don’t be fooled by the maximum tire pressure on the sidewall. It is best to go with the recommended tire pressure for your car. You can find the label on the door jamb or in the glove box, usually. When in doubt, there is always the owner’s manual. However, generally speaking, tires should be checked throughout the year. The pressures must be correct and you must ensure that the tire treads are free of debris and do not have cracks or uneven wear. And last but not least, make sure your spare tire is in good condition.