While most people stay on top of the game with their winter car maintenance, summer car maintenance is never their concern. With the carefree vibe of the summer, they nonchalantly drive their car on the roads until their car forces them to pull over one fine day.
The importance of summer car maintenance cannot be understated. As summer is around the corner, we bring you some easy tips for summer car maintenance. Take a look.
- Check the AC
No one would like the idea of sitting in their car, fuming like a chicken in an oven. It is impossible to survive summer without an AC, and hence, the first thing to do is test the AC of your car.
If your AC is blowing hot air and couldn’t maintain the temperature, it could be due to low levels of refrigerant. Feed the system with a can of refrigerant to give it a boost. If this trick fails, take your car to a professional.
- Check the fluids
If your car runs smoothly, the credit goes to the fluids that keep the various systems in their best form. Before the summer sets in, check the fluid levels.
Check the antifreeze (coolant) level. Make sure that the water and coolant are at an acceptable level. Check the oil on the level ground. Make sure that the color of the oil is brownish-amber. If you find a dirty and black fluid sticking on the dipstick, get it flushed and top it with new oil.
Also, check the brake, transmission, and power steering fluids before you hit the road in summer.
- Check the tires
Keeping the tires in top form is essential in every season, be it summer, autumn, or winter. Driving with worn tires can be hazardous. Worn-out tires are very susceptible to blowouts. Even minor wear can make braking and handling difficult.
Check the tires for excessive or uneven tread wear and bulges on the sidewalls. If you spot these signs, get new tires for your car. Also, check the pressure of your tires to ensure that they are not over or under-inflated.
Check the tire lying in the trunk. It should be inflated.
- Check the brakes
The brakes of your car prevent you from hitting other vehicles, pedestrians, and any other thing coming in your way. Keeping them in the best form is paramount for your safety.
As brakes work under extreme conditions, make sure you stay ahead of the curve with their servicing and maintenance.
Keep an eye out for issues like lack of stopping power and squealing, grinding, or growling noises. If you feel something is wrong with the braking system, get it checked right away.
- Check windshield wipers
After working excessively hard throughout the winter season to remove ice, snow, and frost from the glass, your wipers need some pampering before summer. Moreover, it is necessary for your safety.
Check the wiper blades for tears, cracks, or splits. If they spot signs of damage, replace them right away as they won’t function optimally, hampering the visibility.
Next, check the headlights. If they are dim, get replacement headlights without any delay. Check the taillights and brake lights as well.
- Get rid of the dirt
Dust, dirt, and other contaminants hamper the car’s performance. Dirt accumulated in the engine can interfere with the gas mileage, while dirt in the cooling and heating system can affect the air quality inside the car.
Get rid of all the dirt. Get your cabin and engine air filters cleaned or changed, if necessary.
The bottom line
Your car needs constant attention and care 365 days. Every season has its own car maintenance needs. After a hard winter, show some love to your car. These tips might help you to prepare your vehicle for summer.
