Road trips, family vacations, and regular commuting can put stress on your vehicle, especially in summertime. Higher temperatures can impact many parts of your vehicle – including your engine and cooling system – which makes season -specific maintenance super important. In this article, we’ll review eTags‘ top 5 tips to help keep your engine running smoothly all season long.
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Top 5 Tips to Keep Your Engine Running Smoothly in Summer
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Check Your Coolant
An engine’s cooling system does overtime in hot months. Coolant (also referred to as antifreeze) helps to moderate engine temperature and helps avoid overheating.
Why It’s Important:
- Helps avoid overheating
- Works against corrosion
- Maintains top engine performance
Top Tip:
Check your coolant supply every month and add to it if necessary. If you suspect a leak or are seeing recurring low levels, have a professional inspect your cooling system.
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Change Your Oil and Filter
Engine oil works to lubricate the moving parts inside your motor and helps lessen any heat buildup. In summer months, high temperatures can lead to oil breaking down faster. Frequent changes can mitigate this.
Benefits of Regular Oil Changes:
- Decreases engine wear
- Heightens fuel efficiency
- Moderates engine temperature
Top Tip:
Consult the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for oil change frequency. Opt for an oil type made specifically for hot-weather driving conditions.
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Inspect Belts and Hoses
Hot weather can lead to rubber components cracking, drying out, or becoming weak over time. Belts and hoses are crucial to proper engine operation, and their failure could leave you stranded.
Keep An Eye Out For:
- Cracks or corrosion on belts
- Bumps or leaks in hoses
- Spots with excessive wear
Top Tip:
Get your belts and hoses inspected before you head out on long road trips. Replacing old parts preemptively will end up costing a lot less than facing a roadside breakdown.
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Keep a Clean Air Filter
A spiffy engine air filter means proper airflow, which means your engine can run efficiently. Dust, pollen, and debris are far more common in summertime and can lead to buildup.
Clean Air Filter Benefits:
- Better engine performance
- Improved fuel economy
- Less engine strain
Top Tip:
Check your air filter every couple months and replace it when it becomes dirty or clogged. This easy maintenance task can mean a notable improvement in engine efficiency.
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Check Tire Pressure and Battery Life
Tires and batteries may not appear to be directly related to how an engine performs, but they both affect vehicle reliability in a major way. Summer temperatures can add to tire pressure and drain the battery.
Tire Tips:
- Check tire pressure regularly
- Monitor tread depth
- Rotate tires as recommended
Battery Tips:
- Clean battery terminals
- Look for corrosion
- Test battery when it’s more than three years old
Top Tip:
High heat is one of the most common causes of battery failure. Quick, regular battery inspections can help you avoid unexpected problems.
Last Thoughts
Keeping your engine running smoothly in the summer doesn’t mean you need costly repairs or upgrades. Maintain coolant levels, keep up with oil changes and belt inspections, get your air filter replaced, and see how this general maintenance helps to improve your vehicle’s performance, increases its reliability, and helps you avoid the chance of breakdowns. After all, a little preventative maintenance goes a long way.
