This is the week that summer begins (officially) and for many of us, that means driving with the windows down, spending money on ice cream and cold beverages, and taking frequent trips to the shore. Summertime is supposed to be relaxing and enjoyable, so the last thing you’ll want to do is stress over whether your car can handle this season of hot weather and destination vacations.
In an effort to prevent that kind of stress, here are some things you should do now to prepare your car for summertime:
Check your air conditioning. No one wants to turn on their car’s air conditioning for the first time when they’re in bumper-to-bumper traffic and discover it’s not working. So test it out now and make sure it works regardless of what speed you’re driving. See how long it takes to cool your car down and whether it’s comfortable enough for you and your passengers. If it’s not, then you should bring your car in for an inspection of your air conditioning system.
Examine your tires frequently. High temperatures combined with lots of extra driving can cause your tires to dry out over time. Heat can also cause your tires’ air pressure to increase, which makes them ride on less of the surface area. Riding on less surface area means that your tires are wearing unevenly and will need to be replaced sooner. Monitor your tread wear and check your air pressure frequently (especially before long trips) to make sure your tires are healthy. Keep them inflated to your manufacturer’s recommendations for summer weather.
Dust off your engine. During the fall and spring, there’s a chance that lots of leaves and other debris fell onto your car. That debris, combined with dust and dirt, can make your engine a very dirty and extra hot place to be. To help your engine run cooler, it’s important to clean off any dust and debris.
Invest in a good wax. Don’t forget about your car’s exterior surfaces. To protect your paint job, wash your car frequently and make an effort to always wax it afterwards.
Clean out your garage. If your garage is currently storing everything but your car, then see if there’s any way you can make enough space for a parking spot again. The sun’s rays can cause your paint job and interior elements to fade and warp over time. To preserve your car’s interior and exterior surfaces, it’s best to park in a garage, under a carport, or in the shade as much as you can.
Stay up to date on your services. Anytime that your car is faced with extreme temperatures, it causes stress to the entire vehicle. From steering to braking, from wiring to suspension, everything takes a beating. So be aware and stay up-to-date on your recommended services. Check your oil and make sure that all of your fluids are topped off.
If you need to prepare your car for any season, give Ward Automotive in Bel Air, Maryland a call.
Ward Automotive is a division of Bel Air Autobody, Inc, an autobody repair facility with a reputation for quality repair servicing the residents of Harford County for over twenty years. Our mechanical division called Ward Automotive grew from a need to help our customers receive complete automotive car under one roof. Our seasoned technicians are highly trained, and we possess the latest tools and equipment to service your car right. Why not take your car to the shop that knows your car inside and out?