Category Archives: Uncategorized

Have you ever asked yourself, “does an extended warranty cover my car’s transmission issues?” Well, this is a good day for you to be reading this article since we will be talking about what an extended car warranty is, what it covers and the other plans offered.

What Is an Extended Car Warranty?

All new vehicles have a standard factory warranty. This warranty protects the owner from paying for an expensive repair. Right before the factory warranty expires, an extended car warranty is offered. 

You have the option to get the extended car warranty from the manufacturer or you can purchase it from a third-party warranty provider. 

An extended car warranty, also known as a vehicle service contract, is a contract that extends the factory warranty coverage for part replacements and repairs.

The Most Common Types of Warranty

Here we’re going to find out which of the 2 most common types of the extended warranty will cover transmission issues. 

1. Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty

A bumper-to-bumper warranty also called a limited warranty, covers almost everything from the front bumper to the rear bumper. Most manufacturers offer up to 3 years / 36,000 miles of coverage. The “limited” part of the bumper-to-bumper warranty is the part where it doesn’t cover everything. 

The question here now is does a bumper-to-bumper warranty cover transmission issues? Unfortunately, due to its limited state, this warranty does not. The examples of parts covered are steering, suspension, heating and cooling, fuel delivery systems, brake systems, and electrical.

2. Powertrain Warranty

A powertrain warranty covers the expenses incurred due to repairs or parts replacement. A powertrain warranty generally covers up to 5 years / 60,000 miles. This warranty covers the parts of your car that thrusts it forward, this includes the engine, drivetrain, and transmission.

Yes! You read that right, powertrain is the warranty that covers the transmission issue. The best thing about a powertrain is that it covers the expensive parts of your car saving you from spending a lot of money on sudden breakdowns and repairs. 

Common Transmission Issues Covered by a Warranty

The 4 most common transmission issues in a car are worn-out synchros, worn-out clutch, dirty transmission fluid, and stalled vehicles. It’s a good thing that these issues are covered by the powertrain warranty so if in case you have transmission problems, you’re sure to get some help from your warranty provider.

1. Worn-out Synchros

Synchros, also known as gear synchronizers, are part of the transmission system that helps stabilize the speed when shifting from one gear to another. If the synchros wear out, expect to have a vehicle failure. Synchros are found in manual transmission cars. 

2. Worn-out Clutch

A clutch is used to help the driver shift gears. There are 2 common reasons for clutches wearing out, one is through human error. When a driver frequently accelerates and shifts gears without releasing the foot from the clutch. Another error is a mechanical error like a hydraulic fluid leak. Worn-out clutches are present in manual transmission vehicles. 

3. Grimy Transmission Fluid

It’s important to keep your transmission fluid clean to keep your transmission working properly. In case of dirty transmission fluid, immediately have it flushed, inspected for defects, and replaced with clean transmission fluid.

4. Stalled Vehicle

Automatic cars use a torque converter to control transmission fluid and keeps your car running while at a stop. If the torque converter fails, this will make your car stall. Some of the reasons why the torque converter fails are when you have dirty transmission fluid, or experiencing overheating. 

Get Your Car Covered with A-Protect Warranty

Don’t let sudden breakdowns and expensive repairs cost you your emergency savings. Purchase an extended car warranty and give yourself some peace of mind whenever you’re cruising down the highway. Get your free personalized warranty quote now with A-Protect Warranty! Not only will you get covered for transmission issues but you’ll also have the choice to include additional coverage that will give you and your car 360 coverage. 

Key Take-Away

When it comes to transmission issues, a powertrain coverage will save you from spending out-of-pocket expenses due to repairs or part replacements. Don’t forget to purchase an extended car warranty from A-Protect Warranty to continue driving a worry-free ride. 

Planning on investing in a used car? Did you know that there is a perfect time of the year to catch a great deal for a used car? Take advantage of the seasonal discounts you can get and keep these months in mind.

In this article, we’re going to tell you the best holidays, and months to buy a used car. Timing is everything and when you’ve timed your purchased car on a perfect date, you’re sure to get the best deal.

Holidays with Special Discounts on Vehicle Purchase

1. New Year’s Day

You might be wondering, won’t be New Year a bad time for people to be buying a car since they’ve probably exhausted their money from last month’s December festivity up to the New Year Bash? Well, it’s quite the opposite. Since car salespeople know that there’ll be a few people spending money on cars, they’ll be offering a bigger New Year’s discount.

2. Black Friday

This is probably one of the best holidays to spend your money on purchasing a used car. Black Friday isn’t always just best for shopping but also for car shopping. A survey done by iSeeCars.com stated that there’s about a 33% boost for used car availability.

3. Memorial Day

Memorial Day marks the start of summer. What makes this the second-best holiday to purchase a used car is the inclination of car manufacturers to clear inventory and make space for new models that will be launched in the Fall.

4. Christmas Week Special

Christmas Day being at the top of the list on the best time to purchase is no surprise. People have the money to buy but at the same time, they’re looking for a bargain. Besides, it’s one of the best gifts you can buy for yourself. 

Months with Special Discounts on Vehicle Purchase

If you continue reading, you’d notice that all of the months mentioned are the end of each quarter. Sales go up these months since salespeople are looking into taking advantage of the lull moments where purchases are not too often made. 

1. March

When March comes, sales of new cars rise and so do trade-ins. This is why March is one of the best months to get a well-used car dealer since there are a lot of used cars just waiting to be sold.

2. June

Particularly the last week of June is another best time to purchase a used car. 

3. September

September is also a good month to purchase a new car since there are only a few plates are introduced in the market.

4. December

Last but not the least, December is the best time to invest in a good used car. People are not so focused on buying a car in December because they have other priorities to purchase this is why you’ll notice great deals in December.

Here’s a Word to the Wise When Buying a Used Car

1. Buy a Car That Will Last Longer

Purchasing a used car is a used investment on its own. This is why if you want to make the most out of your purchase, you need to make sure that the car can last for a long time. Aside from making sure that it’s a durable car, follow the maintenance schedule to help prolong the car’s life.

2. Find the History of the Car You’re Planning to Buy

Another note that you should keep in mind is to find out the backstory of the used car your buying especially if you’re located in an area where there are a lot of floods and natural disaster. You’ll be able to know the car’s history by looking into the Buyer’s Guide. 

3. Know the Common Issues of the Make and Model

If you know the common issues of the type of model you’re planning on buying, then this is a great advantage for you. This way you’ll be able to plan out if you still want to continue with the purchase. If you think that the issue is manageable, then the next best step for you to do is to purchase an extended car warranty that will cover the common issues that may arise from your purchased used vehicle. 

So which is the best thing to do when it comes to cars and saving money? Investing in a new vehicle or keeping your old car? We all know that taking care of something old can take a lot more effort and 

You Have to Follow Your Manufacturer’s Recommended Maintenance 

One of the most important things that you should not forget to do is follow the recommended maintenance especially if you own an old car. Old cars need to be serviced based on the accumulated mileage, this means that the higher the mileage is, the more often the car needs to be serviced.

If you disregard the recommended maintenance, this could cause expensive repairs, sudden car breakdowns, or even a dreadful accident. Don’t wait around until you hear alarming noises. 

There’s a long list of things that you need to do to properly maintain your vehicle. Here are 10 basic tips that you need to follow:

1. Make sure that your car brake system works
2. Change all the important rubbers in your car
3. Inspect your battery and make sure that it is corrosion-free
4. Have your transmission fluid and filter replaced
5. Ensure that your coolant levels are full
6. Have your timing belt replaced especially for cars with more than 100,000 miles
7. Make sure that your steering and suspension system works perfectly
8. Never take your tires for granted, have them routinely rotated, and make it a habit to check the tire pressure
9. Don’t forget about your windshield wipers
10. And last but not least, be a responsible driver

You Have to Clean Your Old Car Religiously

The exterior part of your old car might be the least of your worries when It comes to extending its life, but did you know that the exterior part is as important as the interior parts? You have to set aside some time and effort to clean your car even if you have a really busy schedule.

There are three important reasons why you need to clean your car religiously.

1. More often than not, your vehicle is a first impression. If you want to keep on driving an aesthetically-pleasing car, then you should keep in mind that washing your car regularly preserves the beauty of paint and a clear coat. 
2. You may not realize this but driving a dirty vehicle can put you at risk. It’s important to have a clean windshield, windows, and mirror for you to get proper visibility, especially on rainy days. 

Make sure to also clear your interior of any potential blockage, especially the driver’s side, that will prevent you from being able to use the pedals.

3. Don’t wait until your vehicle is bound for some costly repairs on parts that could’ve been avoided if you just took care of your car properly. Tires and wheels are the most common parts of your vehicle that collects dirt, mud, and other harmful elements. If you don’t clean these parts, then expect your tires and wheels to wear faster. We all know how expensive tire replacements are. 

You Have to Regularly Grease and Lubricate Your Old Car

Your vehicle is composed of numerous moving parts that are mostly metal. When one metal moves against each other, it creates a lot of friction and heat which contributes to faster wear of the part. To avoid this, you have to properly lubricate your car may it be old or new. 

The lesser the friction is, the smoother and better the drive will be.  

Get Your Additional Coverage with A-Protect Warranty

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Get the best-extended car warranty for old cars with A-Protect Warranty. Talk to our representative and get your free quote today! No obligation!

Key Take-Away

These days, more and more people are holding on to their vehicles for a longer time instead of buying a new one because it’s more practical. There might be a lot of challenges when it comes to keeping your old car in great shape, but paying for maintenance or even repairs will only amount to a small fraction of what you would pay if you will purchase a new car. 

If you want to keep driving your car for a long time, then you should follow the recommended maintenance schedule even if it’s a bit of inconvenience for you. In this article, we’re going to list the pros and cons of having your car maintained at a dealership and find out if it is costing you more money.

Pros of Maintaining Your Car at a Dealership

1. You’re Confident That Your Car Will Be Handled by Professionals

One of the best things that a dealership offers is the level of knowledge and expertise the dealership mechanic has when it comes to handling your car. You’re confident that dealership mechanics have been properly trained and kept up-to-date with car issues. They can pinpoint certain problems without investigating too much.

2. For Minor Repairs and Maintenance, You’re Sure That They Have Replacement Parts in Stock 

Another plus point for getting your car serviced at a dealership is the abundance of stocks. This would mean that it would take them less time to finish the replacement or repairs since the dealership does not have to wait for them anymore. 

Not only this but you’re assured to get the best quality OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) vehicle parts. 

3. Dealership Offer Top Quality Equipment and Updated Technology to Service Your Car

Modern diagnostic equipment is so expensive that there are only a few third-party service repair shops that own it. This is getting your car fixed or maintained is better when you go to a dealership since they already have the right equipment for it. 

Sure, it might be a bit more expensive at a dealership but this is because they have what other service repair shops may not have. 

4. You Don’t Have to Worry About Getting Your Warranty Claim Rejected

Have you ever experienced getting your warranty claim rejected or know somebody who did? When it comes to warranty, most providers are uncompromising. One reason that a claim gets rejected is when the provider finds out that the issue resulted from installing an aftermarket replacement part that causes the problem in the first place.

I’m not saying that you don’t have the right to choose an aftermarket product especially if you want to save money, all I’m saying is that you need to be careful when choosing them. This is the reason why if you get your car serviced at a dealership, you’re sure that when you file a claim, it will be approved since the dealership uses OEM parts only.

Cons of Maintaining Your Car at a Dealership

1. You’ll Often Hear Unnecessary Recommendations from Dealership Service Managers

Imagine going to a dealership to get your car serviced for a simple oil change and end up paying $500. Dealership Service Managers have been mistaken to be mechanics but they’re salespeople who are paid on a commission basis. The trouble with having your car serviced by them is the unnecessary recommendations from dealership service managers. They try to upsell products and services that you don’t even need for that certain moment.

2. You Don’t Have the Opportunity to Have a Relationship with The Man That Fixes Your Car

Apart from unnecessary recommendations from dealership service managers, any relationship with the mechanic is nonexistent. The reason for this is that the usual people that you’ll meet at the dealership are people from the management and seldom the mechanic. 

3. Prices for Replacement Parts, Labor Costs, and Maintenance Products Are Expensive

Expensive replacement parts, high labor costs, pricey maintenance is not big news when you are at the dealership. You’re not only paying for the product or service itself but you’re also paying for the brand name and reputation. This is why dealerships are expensive.

Key Take-Away

Indeed, maintaining your vehicle at a dealership can cost a lot of money but this is because of the quality and service that they offer. I’m not saying that you should always choose dealerships and OEM products, all I’m saying is that if you don’t mind paying more to get quality work, then you should choose dealerships. If you’re looking to switch to more affordable parts and service, you have the freedom to choose an aftermarket part and be serviced by your favorite mechanic.

More and more people are buying used cars because of their practicality value. In this article, we’ll talk about tips needed to be taken note of when buying a used car. 

Decide On Your Budget

Let’s first decide on how much you will set aside for your car purchase. When buying a car, you can either save up and pay cash upfront or you can take out a loan to help you pay for the vehicle. Don’t forget that you also have to set aside money for insurance and registration so keep in mind your budget.

Decide On Your What Car You’re Going to Buy

So you’ve already set a budget on how much you’re going to spend for your car, let’s now move on to what car are you going to buy. If there’s one thing that the pandemic has taught us, it’s that we need to be smart when spending. The good thing when it comes to this day and age is that you don’t have to go door-to-door to research cars, you can easily do that online. 

Haven’t decided on what car to buy yet? Ask yourself these questions so you can narrow down your choices. 

1. Are you the only one who’s going to use it?
2. How often are you going to use the car?
3. Do you need a big cargo space whenever you travel?
4. How’s the weather in your state?

Research About the Car You Chose

When it comes to getting information, the internet is a gold mine. You can find almost anything and everything. When you know more about the car you’ve chosen to buy, you’ll now have an idea of the kind of insurance you’re going to get. 

Some people fail to research their cars and then regret not doing so in the future because 1.) They paid more than the car is worth or 2.) There are a lot more preexisting issues than what has been said. So before you seal the deal with the dealer, make sure you’ve done enough research. 

Buying a Preowned Car: Private Seller or Dealer?

1. Private Seller 

The advantage when it comes to buying from a private seller is that buyers can haggle for the best price. Usually, what these sellers do is they price it according to the “asking price” from what they see on ads similar to the cars they’re selling and not the actual “selling price”. 

1. Car Dealer

If this will be your first time buying a used car and you don’t have any clue about cars, then your best choice would be buying from a car dealer. This way you’re sure that the car you’re buying will be of driving quality. Car dealers are mandated by law to sell car only to a certain standard, private sellers are not bound to any laws. 

If you still chose to go with a private seller, it’s wise to hire a professional to have the car inspected before you seal the deal.

How Old Is the Car?

A general rule of thumb is that cars are still in great shape and good driving condition up to 4 years as long as it’s well maintained. But this is not always the case since there are cases wherein older cars work better than newer ones. It all depends on the kind of car and how well maintained it is. It’s good to do some research because some car models are built to last longer. 

Extended Warranty for Used Cars

Just because it’s a preowned vehicle does not mean that you don’t have to take care of it just like how you would a new car.

All the more that you need to take care of it. When a preowned car is put up to be sold, a buyer’s guide is required. A buyer’s guide is where the customers will see the basic information of the car, the history, and the existing issues (if any). 

Wit A-Protect Warranty, you’re sure to get the best extended car warranty for used cars. 

Key Take-Away

When buying a used car, make sure that you set a budget, narrowed your car choice, done your research, and contacted the dealer for it. It pays to be prepared since buying a used car is a big investment. 

Following the recommended regular maintenance will help keep your car in good driving condition for an extended time. As winter comes and the temperature begins to cool, All the more that you need to make sure that your used car is well maintained before winter comes. 

Change Your Oil to A Winter-Friendly One

What happens to your regular oil when winter comes is that it thickens as the temperature drops. Most people switch to synthetic oil because it’s much easier on the engine. If you like to try the cheaper version which is a blend between regular oil and synthetic oil, you can do so but you need to get the green light from your mechanic.

Every time you get your oil change, it’s good practice to also have your oil filter replaced to ensure that the system flows efficiently.

Consider Changing Your Windshield Wiper

One good trick to make your life easier when it comes to clearing your windshield is to pop your wipers up when you know snow is coming and your car is parked outside. To clear out your windshield, avoid using the wiper, try using an ice scraper instead. 

It’s recommended to change your wiper at least twice a year since it loses its effectiveness in about 6 months. For extreme winter weather conditions, it’s better to purchase winter blades instead of the regular ones since winter blades work a lot better.

Boost Your Battery Life

If your battery is more than 5 years already, consider replacing it. You wouldn’t want a dead battery in the middle of winter. In extreme weather conditions, your battery needs to work twice as hard 

Take A Look at Your Tires

A lot of people have been on the fence when it comes to changing tires during winter especially when they have all-season tires installed. The danger with all-season tires is that it doesn’t give you the best traction on icy pavements especially in states with extreme winter conditions. For states that only experience light snows, changing your tires are still highly recommended since the constant use will do a number on your tires.  

Keep Your Headlights Spic-and-Span

When it comes to visibility during winter, your headlights are the best option for a clearer view especially driving in the snow. If you notice that your headlights are not as bright as it should be, consider changing the lights. Never compromise visibility especially when driving conditions turn for the worse. Make sure that all your lights are working properly. It is a law to keep the headlights on whenever there is low visibility.

Another thing you can do to make your lights shine brighter without having to change bulbs is to clean and polish the headlight lens. This is a less expensive way to make sure that your lights shine brighter as it should.

Check Out Your Antifreeze

Antifreeze, popularly known as engine coolant, keeps your engine cool during warm days and prevents your engine from freezing during winter. It keeps the temperature of your engine stable so can drive safely under any weather. 

Antifreeze is a mix between water and ethylene glycol. For colder temperature, the best ratio is to have 50:50 ratios between water and ethylene glycol, and for warmer climates, it’s 70:30 water and glycol. You can inspect the antifreeze on your own, just open the lid on the overflow tank and check the coolant looks bright and colorful. If you notice that it’s dark and muddy, it’s high time for you to replace it.

Work Over the Washer Fluid

The last thing that you need to need to remember is to change your washer fluid to a winter-ready washer fluid. What happens when the temperature drops, regular washer fluid freezes. 

Extended Car Warranty

To get yourself ready whenever you’re on the road, it’s important to take note that whether you have a brand new car or a used car, you need to regularly maintain it. But sometimes, the inevitable issues and breakdowns happen at the most unexpected moment, so before you stress about paying for expensive repairs, make sure to have an extended car warranty or extended warranty for used cars. Get your free quote now with A-Protect Warranty! 

In this article, we will talk about 6 points you need to keep in mind for you to maximize your tires’ life and avoid any tire issues along the way. 

1. Check Your Tire Pressure Regularly

If you’re not sure about how to check the tire pressure, it’s pretty simple! You just need a tire pressure gauge, either a standard gauge or a digital one. Before you attempt your first inspection, make sure that your tires are cold. Verify the manufacturer’s recommended PSI for your tires. Check each tire for pressure and fill them with the approved air pressure level. 

If you don’t have an air compressor, you can either visit a gas station or give your mechanic a call to help you out. Keep in mind to check your tire pressure monthly.

2. Never Drive with Mismatched Tires

Don’t even think about using mismatched tires, it’s just not safe. As a rule of thumb, in case 1 tire needs replacement and you don’t have enough money to buy a complete set, at least buy two tires and place them in the rear. 

If you only replace that one tire that got punctured, you’re at a lot of risks. You’re going to have to deal with abnormal wear and tear. 

3. Rotate Your Tires for a Smoother Ride

To maximize the life on your tires and for even tread wear, rotate your tires on a regular basis. It is recommended to have your tires rotated at least every 6000 miles. Tire rotation will maintain proper stability and efficient traction on the road. 

There are four ways to properly rotate your tires, and this depends on the type of car you drive.

1.           Forward Cross

This type of rotation is most common in front-wheel drive vehicles. What you need to do is to directly switch the front tire to the back while staying on the same side. For the rear tires, cross them when switching it to the front making an X-pattern on the changeover.

1. Rearward Cross

A rearward cross pattern is when you do the exact opposite of the forward cross pattern. You will directly move the rear tires to the front while staying on the same side. The front tires should cross when it reaches the back for rear replacement. This means that the then right front tire goes to the left-back tire. This type of rotation will best suit rear-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive vehicles.

1. X-Pattern

An X-Pattern is great for front-wheel drive vehicles. This means that you need to switch all four tires in an x-pattern crossing them diagonally. This is to give even tread wear. 

1. Directional Switch

For directional switch, you just need to bring the front tires to the back and vice versa keeping them on the same side. Directional tires have a unique tread pattern to work particularly on the right or left side of the car.  

4. A Bald Head Might Be Sexy, But A Bald Tire Isn’t

Don’t wait for your tires to be on their deathbed before you plan on changing them. I know tires can be costly but choosing to drive with bald tires life will cost you your life. Bald tires are one of the primary cause of road accidents. If your tires don’t have any tread pattern left, this can cause blowouts, improper traction, and too much heat buildup. 

5. Make Sure Your Wheels Are Aligned Properly

Why is it important to have your wheels properly aligned and what does it have to do with the tires? When your wheels are not aligned properly, you will notice unusual wear which is smooth on one side and sharp on the other, also known as “feathered” tires. 

6. Remove Unnecessary Weight

Different vehicles have different maximum weights that they can safely handle. Overloading your car will cause your tires to fail or worse, blowout. It causes a lot of strain on your car and makes it impossible for you to drive properly. Aside from having tire problems, you will be consuming more fuel because your car will need to produce more energy to go forward when there is too much weight.  

If you’re planning on traveling to the US, ensure that your car is ready for the trip. In this article, we will talk about the ways we can make sure that you have a safe and pleasant trip.

Car Checklist

Before you hit the road, let’s do a breakdown of what you need to do before you suffer greatly on an unexpected car breakdown.

1. Check the Tires

Always check your tires for proper tire pressure. You can check your manual for the manufacturer’s recommendation. If it’s been a while since you last change your tires, you should check the tread depth if it’s still on the recommended 2/32-inch tread depth. You can do this by either using a tread depth gauge or you can do the penny trick. When you insert a penny with Lincoln’s head facing down on each groove and you can already see the top of Lincoln’s head then it’s high time for you to change your tires. Don’t forget to bring your spare tire! 

2. Inspect Car Fluids

First of all, we’re going to tackle the kind of weather you’ll be expecting for your trip. Is it going to be a hot and humid Sunday drive or will it be a cold winter trip? Depending on the weather condition, you should keep in mind that different fluids in your car react differently at a certain temperature. Say, you’re going to expect a colder season while traveling, your regular coolant won’t work properly. You need to have the proper coolant added to your vehicle for you to have a safe drive. Another thing that you need to avoid is having your car overheat because you failed to check the fluid level before your trip.

How long ago did you change your oil? If you followed the recommended maintenance schedule, then you don’t have to worry about your oil. But in case it has been a while since you had your oil replaced, consider changing it as soon as possible.

3. Test All the Lights

This might be the last thing on your To-Do list but this is as important as the other parts of your car. Imagine getting a sudden downpour while traveling and when you tried to click on the high beam, the light is not as bright as it should be and you’re having trouble seeing ahead of you. Lights are mandatory especially when the wipers are turned on.

4. Check The Battery

If the battery hasn’t been changed for a long time, consider getting it inspected first before hitting the road. Make sure that your battery is connected properly and that it is free of any corrosion. 

Consider Getting Extended Car Warranty

Aside from making sure your car is in tip-top shape, consider getting an extended car warranty. Not only will an extended car warranty free you of any stress when you’re on the road but you’re sure to get help in case of any breakdowns.

What is an Extended Car Warranty?

An extended car warranty, popularly known as a vehicle service contract, is a protection plan that promises to pay on behalf of the car owner in case of a car breakdown. This warranty will help cover the expensive repair cost. 

A-Protect Warranty Plan

With A-Protect Warranty, you can choose from a variety of comprehensive protection coverage to tailor-fit your car’s needs. 

Powertrain Coverage

A powertrain warranty is the most basic warranty coverage that covers engine, transmission, and drivetrain. Powertrain coverage of A-Protect Warranty also includes towing. This means that you’re entitled to a $50 reimbursement for towing services.

Car Rental

It’s such a hassle and costly to rent another vehicle because your car broke down and needs more than a day to get fixed. A-Protect Warranty offers car rental coverage that reimburses up to $35 a day due to a breakdown covered by the warranty. 

Additional Options

Aside from car rental, A-Protect Warranty offers additional options for you to include in your warranty plan. With A-Protect Warranty, you’re not only sure that your car is protected properly, but you’ll get your money’s worth.

Key Take-Away

Before deciding on your trip, always make sure that your car is ready for a safe and pleasant trip. Avoid car breakdowns by following the simple tips, and rid yourself of any stress by ensuring that you have an extended car warranty.

To keep up with the rising temperature that is brought about by summer, here are ten things you can do to make summer less costly for your car maintenance. 

1. Make Sure That Your Air Conditioning is Working Properly

We all know how hot the summer season can get especially when it’s coupled with dry and humid air. Now imagine being stuck in the middle of a traffic jam and when you turn that air conditioning on, a gust of hot air blasts on your face. You end up sweating and rolling the windows down just to get some breeze. So before you decide on heading out or plan a road trip, make sure that your air conditioning system is working properly. 

Don’t take the air conditioning for granted since this is will help you get through the summer heat.

2. Check to See If Your Engine Coolant is Within Recommended Level

Your engine coolant is working hard to prevent your vehicle from overheating. See to it that the engine coolant is within the recommended level for it to work properly. If you’re going to check the coolant, make sure that the radiator cap is not hot to avoid the bursting of the pressurized coolant.

3. Don’t Forget to Check on Your Tires and Tire Pressure

Aside from making sure your air conditioning is working properly, the next part is to inspect your tires and tire pressure. Double-check the tire pressure and make sure that it’s not under or over-inflated. Underinflated tires are prone to excessive friction while overinflated tires can lead to blowouts. 

4. Swap Your Winter Tires to Summer-Ready Tires

You might think that switching from winter tires to a summer-ready tire is not necessary, but it is highly recommended. Winter tires are made soft and flexible with bigger tread depth which is necessary to be able to have better traction on the road. When you use a winter tire during summer, not only is it risky but cornering, accelerating and braking won’t be as crisp as a summer tire. 

5. Avoid Battery Meltdowns 

Extreme summer heat is not only discomforting but it can affect the battery’s health and causes battery fluid evaporation. So before you plan on a summer road trip, make sure you get your vehicle inspected first. Have your mechanic secure the battery properly to minimize vibration, too much vibration leads to future failure. 

6. Replace Your Windshield Wipers

Because your windshield wiper has been working arduously during winter, it’s high time for you to change your windshield wipers. Great visibility is key to safe driving. Summer is the best time to switch since the recommended frequency is every six months. This is a very simple task and you can do this on your own.

7. Inspect Your Belts and Hoses

You can inspect the belts and hoses on your own. For belts, you need to see if there are any cracks present or threads exposed. To check the health of the hose, pinch the hose to check for firmness. If the hose sticks together when pinched, then it’s high time for you to change it. If you’re not comfortable inspecting your belts and hoses, you can always ask your mechanic about it.

8. Change Your Oil and Oil Filter

If you follow your recommended maintenance schedule religiously, then you don’t have to worry about your oil and oil filter. One of the many reasons why you need to change your oil is to make sure that your engine has proper lubrication. Proper lubrication is needed to minimize the friction between the moving metal parts of the engine. 

9. Always Park in the Shade

The best money-saving tip that you should follow to save yourself from spending a lot on maintenance is to protect your car from the harmful rays of the sun. Always park in the shade or invest in a sunshade just in case you won’t be able to find some shade.

Key Take-Away

Bottom line is that you should always take care of your car and never neglect its maintenance needs if you want to keep on driving your car until its wheels fall off. Follow our 9 tips so you and your car can be summer-ready.

If you want to keep your car until the wheels fall off, then the best way to keep your car up and running is to do regular maintenance. When it comes to taking care of your car, it’s not rocket science. Although for the most part, you need professional help, there are things you can do on your own.

Check Your Owner’s Manual

The first thing that you need to do is check the maintenance schedule section on your owner’s manual. Here you’ll have an idea of how often you need to check and maintain the vehicle’s fluids, oil filter, tires, belts, and hoses. Following the recommended routine check-up and maintenance will ensure a long term good driving condition for your car.

Wash Your Car Regularly

Washing your car regularly is a no-brainer in keeping your car in tip-top shape. Remember that accumulation of dirt, snow, mud, grease, and grime, and sometimes sea salt in the air (depending on which state you’re in) will corrode you’re your car overtime if not washes properly. 

Check The Tires

Not only do you have to check the tire pressure but you also need to rotate your car tires. A good way for you to check the tire pressure is through a tire pressure gauge, this tool will tell you how much air is inside each tire. You can find the ideal tire pressure on the owner’s manual.

Change The Oil Regularly

Oil is an essential part of your engine that lubricates all of its parts. Think of oil as the engine’s lifeblood, if the oil is too thick, it won’t be able to properly lubricate the engine thus damaging it over time. To manually check your oil levels, use a dipstick. If the oil looks dark and has a muddy texture, it’s high time for you to change your oil. Some newer vehicles have electronic gauges. 

Check the Other Car Fluids

Engine coolant, washer fluid, brake fluid, and transmission fluid are the other car fluids that you need to check regularly. 

Check the Lights

Not only should you check your headlights if they’re working properly, but you should also check which light on your dashboard is activated. The dashboard light symbol will warn you which part of your car needs attention.

Replace the Air Filters

When you don’t change the filters regularly, your engine will need to work twice as hard to push air through it. This denotes your car not performing efficiently. Changing your filter regularly will increase fuel efficiency, prolong your engine’s life, and reduce bad emissions.

Replace Windshield Wipers

If you notice your windshield wiper screeches when you use it, it’s high time for you to replace it. Windshield wipers are as important as any part of your car. If you find yourself driving under heavy rain, windshield wipers are what give you the ability to see the road ahead clearly.

Check the Hoses and Belts

It’s good practice to have your hoses and belts checked every time you change your oil or routine maintenance. Consider replacing them when you see visible signs of wear and tear. To help keep your car in optimal driving condition and avoid a breakdown, keep your belts and hoses in tip-top shape.

Check the Brakes

Brakes are an essential part of the vehicle. If you hear and feel your brakes squealing, grinding, or ratting, then it’s high time for you to visit your mechanic and have your car inspected. When your brakes squeal, this means that you need to change your brake pads. You don’t have to worry so much when you feel your brakes grinding especially when it’s the first time you’ve used your car for a long time. Rust in rotors form in a matter of day, so when you finally use your car, you’ll hear grinding indicating rust being removed. Rattling on the other hand indicates brake rotors being worn out and needs replacement.

Key Take-Away

The bottom line here is that if you want to keep your car for a long time, you need to follow the recommended regular maintenance. From following the owner’s manual to checking the brakes and everything in between, you need to keep track of the car service.