As summer approaches, it’s essential to prepare your vehicle for the warmer weather to ensure it runs smoothly and efficiently. Heat can take a toll on your car, but with the right preparations, you can enjoy a safe and comfortable driving experience throughout the season. Here are essential tips on how to get your car ready for summer, brought to you by LB Auto.
Check Your Cooling System
Stay Cool Under the Hood:
The cooling system helps protect your engine from overheating. Before summer hits, make sure to check your radiator, hoses, and coolant levels. If your coolant hasn’t been changed in a while, consider having a flush and fill done to ensure your system is clean and filled with fresh coolant. This is crucial as it prevents your engine from overheating, one of the most common causes of breakdowns during summer.
Inspect Your Air Conditioning
Keep Your Cool Inside:
A functional and efficient air conditioning system is vital for summer driving. Have your A/C checked by a professional to ensure it’s working correctly, especially if you notice it’s not as cool as it used to be. This might involve checking for leaks and recharging the system with refrigerant. Remember, a comfortable cabin temperature can make your summer road trips much more enjoyable.
Test Your Battery
Beat the Heat:
Car batteries are severely affected by high temperatures, which can accelerate corrosion and fluid evaporation. Ensure your battery’s fluid levels are adequate, and the terminals are clean and free from corrosion. It might also be beneficial to have your battery tested to see if it’s strong enough to last through the summer months. If it’s near the end of its life cycle, replacing it before it fails is a wise decision.
Evaluate Your Tires
Traction and Pressure:
Tires are the foundation of your vehicle on the road. Check your tire pressure regularly, as fluctuations in temperature can lead to under-inflation or over-inflation. Both conditions can cause premature wear and tear, as well as reduce fuel efficiency. Additionally, ensure your tires have adequate tread to handle summer downpours; bald tires can significantly increase your risk of hydroplaning on wet roads.
Replace Wiper Blades and Refill Wiper Fluid
Clear View for Safe Driving:
Summer storms require good windshield wipers. Replace any wiper blades that leave streaks or cannot clean the windshield effectively. Also, top off your wiper fluid to ensure you can always clear away any dirt or debris that comes your way during your travels.
Prepare for Emergencies
Safety First:
Keep an emergency kit in your car that includes water, non-perishable food items, a basic toolkit, a flashlight with extra batteries, road flares or an emergency beacon, and a first aid kit. Additionally, considering the increased travel during summer, it’s wise to have a spare tire, jack, and jumper cables ready.
Clean Inside and Out
A Fresh Start for Summer:
A clean car can make summer driving more pleasant. Wash the exterior to protect the paint from sun damage and remove any residue that could corrode the metal. Vacuum the interior to remove dust and debris, and consider a professional detailing service to help protect your upholstery from the damaging effects of the sun.
At LB Auto, we understand the importance of vehicle maintenance and are here to help you get your car summer-ready. Visit us at 1013 West Main Street, Lebanon, TN 37087, or contact us at (615) 306-5180. Our expert team can perform all necessary checks and services to ensure your vehicle is in top condition for the summer months. Prepare your car for summer at LB Auto and drive with confidence!