How To Prepare Your Car For Summer
Summer is a much-awaited time of the year. At least, for those who prefer the summer heat over cold winters. But did you know that it’s also one of the worst seasons for your car?
Just imagine exposing your vehicle to the heat of the sun and dry, dusty air. All the while, you’d have to go through stop-and-go traffic over hot asphalt roads. It’s easy to see how this season pushes vehicles to breaking point. But with just a few steps, you can prepare your car for summer and avoid bumping into problems.
1. Check up on your tires
Make sure that you have all-season tires installed. They are thick and tough enough to withstand heat, thus reducing your chances of a blow out.
See to it that the tires have the right amount of pressure and that there are no nicks and cuts. Watch out for signs of cupping and uneven wearing. If present, the tires need to be aligned.
Finally, don’t forget to bring a spare tire and a jack, just in case you need to change tires.
2. Keep windshield wipers clean
Dust and small rocks can get caught between the wiper blades while driving. When you switch them on, they can leave nasty scratches on your windshield. If you want to avoid this, cleaning your wipers regularly should do the trick.
3. Inspect your A/C system
Test your air conditioning to see if it is in good working condition. If it takes longer to cool, produces warm air, or if there are strange noises coming out the vents, take your car to an auto repair shop for a more thorough assessment.
4. Refill the coolant
The coolant should be completely replaced and refilled by summer to prevent your car from overheating. To get the proper concentration, mix one part of antifreeze with one part water. You can get a coolant tester from a car parts store and use it to check for concentration levels.
5. Get your car waxed
Car paint fades under the heat of the sun. If you want to keep its vibrant color, consider getting it waxed. What this does is coat your vehicle with a protective layer which minimizes the damaging effects of the elements. You should opt for a specialized anti-UV formula to better protect your paint job during summertime.
6. Change oils
Changing oils is recommended every 3,000 miles. If you’re due for one, now would be a good time, especially if you plan on taking long trips.
7. Have your car windows tinted
Tinted windows can lighten over time, making them less effective in blocking the sun’s heat. Or maybe your tint was never dark enough to begin with.
Summer is the perfect season to have your car windows tinted. However, keep in mind that states have laws around them. Follow the laws in your area regarding tint usage and percentage so you won’t get flagged.
8. Schedule a pre-summer tune up
Even though you can perform some check-ups here and there, it’s best that you visit a local auto repair shop. Have your car inspected by a professional who can prep it in time for summer.
