5 Ways to Take Care of Your Car This Summer
After a long spring spent at home, a little bit of maintenance can keep your car running reliably all summer long. Do you have a summer road trip or vacation planned? Stop by AutoZone to get all your tune up essentials. We've compiled a list of maintenance tips to get you to your next destination and through the summer.
1. Check Your Oil and Filter
Changing your motor oil and filter regularly is crucial to keeping your engine in good running order. Oil change intervals are based on an amount of mileage or a set amount of time, because oil wears and gets dirty even when the engine is not in use. Make sure to change your oil based on whichever comes first, mileage or number of months.
2. Check Your Coolant and AC
Summer heat is brutal, make sure your car’s staying cool by checking the engine coolant and AC refrigerant levels. If either of these are low, you should check your cooling system for leaks, and look out for signs of AC problems.
3. Inspect Your Brake Pads and Rotors
Take a look at your car’s braking system components and determine if it’s time for new pads and rotors. Don’t get stuck on just the pads and rotors though. Be sure to replace brake hardware with the pads and rotors, and check the brake fluid while you’re at it.
4. Replace Your Wiper Blades and Fluids
Whether it’s rain or bugs on the windshield, unexpected things can decrease your visibility, so it’s crucial to check and change your wiper blades. Be ready with fresh windshield wipers, and top up on wiper fluid to make cleaning your windshield easy when the need arises.
5. Make Sure Your Battery is Ready for the Summer Heat
Car batteries are temperature sensitive, and this becomes more important as they reach the end of their lifespan. Be sure to check how long you’ve had your battery and compare it with the length of the warranty. If it’s reaching the end, it might be smart to invest in a reliable new battery for the summer months to come.
More Tips
All these help get your car in shape. Looking for a more in-depth check? Make sure to penny-check your tires, take a look at your suspension, and pedal test your brakes. If you noticed rough idling during the winter, replace your spark plugs. When you’re under the hood changing the air filter, take a look at your engine belt to make sure it isn’t cracked. Also, turn on your air conditioner before you need it. Make sure it’s working now, so you won’t be without it on a hot day.
Refer to the service manual for specific diagnostic, repair, and tool information for your particular vehicle. Always wear gloves and safety glasses, and work in a well-ventilated area.
