Just like you need to make your automobile ready for driving during the winter or rainy seasons, you also have to make sure that your vehicle is in top shape for summer driving. A couple of years back, car preparation means checking a list of auto parts and seeing if these need to be replaced. Today, most car parts are pretty long lasting, which is why people usually just have to inspect these to see if these are maintained well. If not, then the car owner must take care of his car troubles. But for more pressing issues, a visit to a reliable mechanic might be needed.
Why is it important to prepare your vehicle for summer driving? During summer, the weather can get really hot, and this can be harsh on any vehicle. Your car itself, particularly its engine and transmission, also produces a lot of heat. Too much heat can damage certain parts of your vehicle. So, you need to make sure that all of your car’s parts are working efficiently in order for you to enjoy driving under the summer sun any time. It is not a laughing matter to be stranded on the side of a lonely road while the sun is beating down.
To better prepare yourself and your car for summer, below are a few tips that might help you out.
1. See to it that your car’s coolant system is in good condition.
Damage to any part of the coolant system can lead to overheating, which results in more serious damages. The more serious the damage, the more expensive the repairs will be. It is therefore very important to have your coolant system checked. See to it that the coolant level, hoses, radiator, water pump and thermostat are all in good condition. If any of the parts have more mileage that what the manufacturer recommends, then have these replaced.
2. Check if the air conditioning system is working efficiently.
If your car’s AC system is already huffing and puffing when you turn it on, have it checked by a qualified mechanic because it is probably going to break down soon. Remember that the warmer weather will require more from your AC system.
3. Examine your tires thoroughly.
Any existing tire problem that you have can be aggravated by very hot weather. Rubber gets more brittle when exposed to extreme temperatures, and heat exposure worsens present tire problems. See to it that tires are properly inflated, not over- or under-inflated. Problems with tire inflation can worsen especially if there are already weak areas or cracks that can cause blow-outs or other accidents.
4. Test the brakes.
You should make sure to follow the manual about how to maintain your automobile’s brakes. Bring your vehicle to a repair shop if you notice strange noises, burnt smells, longer stopping distance, and other minor problems that can easily become serious concerns.
5. Inspect the car batteries.
Car batteries can become weak anytime. So, you need to perform routine care to make your car’s battery last longer. Clean it and remove corrosion, and see if cables are properly connected and re-tighten if necessary. Maintain battery well to avoid problems later on.