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We’re now in the midst of summertime, and given the long days and blazing sun, we thought this was the opportune moment for a refresher course on car maintenance for the sizzling hot months. With each season comes a different set of priorities, and while vehicle maintenance in general is a year-long task, summer brings its own set of elements to look out for. The heat, humidity, sand, salt air, road trips…all these things beg for a little extra care. So, without further ado…
Summer Car Maintenance Checklist:
1. Coolant. Coolant does exactly what it sounds like: it prevents vehicles from overheating. And this job is never more important or pertinent than during the heat of the summer. So, flushing your coolant, checking for leaks, or replacing it if necessary is at the top of our list.
2. Tires. If you live somewhere with cold winters, the lower temperatures could cause tire pressure to drop. Inspecting pressure levels and inflating your tires to the guidelines set in your owner’s manual is a smart move. Also, should the treads seem flatter than usual, you may want to consider if it’s time to replace your tires altogether.
3. Air Conditioning. If your a/c is not operating at its optimum, meaning, if the air is just not cooling properly, it’s a good idea to have the system checked. This can help avoid not only sweltering car rides, but could help sus out a bigger issue with your vehicle and help prevent larger system damage.
4. Battery. Another part that can become sensitive to heat is your battery and its connections. Check to make sure the rubber connectors are in good working condition, and if your battery is creeping towards its fifth birthday, now might be the time for a replacement.
5. Windshield Wipers. The rubber on windshield wipers is no stranger to cracks during the cold months of winter. So before any summer rain comes your way, check to be sure that your wipers have withstood the elements. If they streak while operating, it is time to replace the blades.
6. Belts and Hoses. More rubber to keep an eye on here. Checking for leaks, cracks, or excessive wear in your belts and hoses can mean the difference between a properly functioning car or one that is having all sorts of problems. Check those belts and hoses!
7. Fluids. In addition to coolant, now is a great time to look into the other fluids that keep your car running smoothly. Oil, transmission, brake, and power steering fluids should be checked, for the right levels and cleanliness.
8. Brakes. Of course, in any season, should you feel any sort of stutter when braking, or hear any squeaking or grinding, head over to your mechanic and have your brake system checked ASAP.
There are your top maintenance elements, but there are also a few things you can do to help your car stay cool and safe during the summer:
- Park in the shade whenever possible
- Place windshield sun protectors over the dashboard
- Keep certain emergency staples on hand, like fresh water, coolant, jumper cables and a tire-change kit
And now you have all our recommendations for a smooth-driving summer. Of course, for all your other automotive needs, like title transfers and replacements, new registration and renewals and more, head on over to etags.com. Because as always, at eTags, we’re here to help!
