Car care is important throughout the year. Each season brings a fair bit of changes in terms of weather and driving conditions and it is important to make sure that your car is always in good driving shape. Here are some essential car maintenance tips for summer.
Tires
Your tires are what keeps you on the road. They are the only part of your car that are in contact with the road, which is why it’s so important to choose the right tires and inspect them regularly. Your tires need to have enough tread, no bulges or cracks, and you should also check the pressure on a regular basis. Winter tires should only be used during the winter months and you need to replace them with your summer tires as soon as the weather warms up and you get the green light from the local authorities.
Oil change
The oil level and quality should be checked on a regular basis and oil changes should be done according to the vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines. You need to do so when the engine is cold. This is best done in the morning before you start your car. To check your oil levels start your car, remove the dipstick, wipe it off, and insert it again before removing it to check the level on the stick. Inspect the color and viscosity of the oil. Regardless of levels and consistency, oil needs to be changed after a set amount of time or mileage. The oil filter will also needs to be changed regularly.
Hose and belt check
There are several hoses and belts that experience wear and tear every time you start the engine. Sometimes these parts break unexpectedly but, if a regular maintenance schedule is followed, you can replace worn belts and hoses before they let you down.
Air filter
Your air filter needs to be changed regularly since it is bound to get clogged eventually. Particularly in the winter, salt can take its toll on your filters. Therefore, when the warmer weather arrives, be sure to have your mechanic to check your filters.
Windscreen wipers
Spring and summer rain can to come down hard, which means that you need reliable wipers to keep your windscreen clear. Inspect your wipers for cracks and wear. Test them regularly to make sure that they aren’t missing any spots. Replace them regularly and always choose quality wipers for your car.
Brakes
Your brakes are an essential part of vehicle safety. Each time you change your brakes, you will be informed that they will need to be replaced after covering a certain amount of mileage. Pay attention if your brake pedal is noisy, soft or extremely hard, or it rests too high or low or there is an indicator light on your dashboard. These are all warning signs. If you don’t have your brakes changed before you notice these signs, you should definitely have them tended to as soon as even the slightest issue arises.
Coolant and radiator
Your radiator and the coolant in your engine are needed for keeping your engine from getting too hot. They are especially important in the summer because of rising temperatures. Make sure that you check your radiator for any possible signs of damage and top up or replace the coolant before it gets too hot.
Battery cleaning
Your battery often loses some of its charge during the colder weather. On top of this, the summer heat speeds up the chemical reaction inside the battery which also shortens its lifespan. By keeping the terminals of the battery clean, you will help extend its life.
Air conditioner
You should have your air conditioner inspected before summer begins. Inspect the hoses, connections, and determine whether a refill is necessary. By completing this inspection before it gets too hot, you will avoid a lot of unnecessary discomfort. Take note of any odors and make sure that you have your air conditioner checked if it starts to smell strange.
Emergency supplies
You might not need to keep a snow shovel in your car during the next few months but you will still need several emergency supplies. One of the most important supplies is water. When you leave a plastic bottle of water in your car be sure not to consume it. This water is strictly for external use or to top up the water in your vehicle. If you want to keep drinking water in your car, you should take a fresh bottle each time you take a drive.
Having the right coverage for your vehicle is also essential for road safety. At A-Protect Warranty, we offer a wide variety of different warranty options to suit various needs and budgets. Call 1-866-660-6444 today for professional advice from our expert team.