Gear Up Your Car for Summer

Things are going to be heating up soon after a long winter for some of us, but there are some things that can be done now to ensure your car doesn’t heat up too much as well. Hot weather can be tougher on a vehicle than some of us might know.

For starters, it may be wise to get those snow tires removed. After all, what good are they in the summer? Sure, snow tires are wonderful during the snowy months of the year, but on dry pavement snow tires will do nothing but wear down. So, get your summer or all-season tires back on your vehicle and you will be much better off. Swap the tires yourself or ask someone who is vehicle-savvy to change them for you and save money on the tire remount.

Have you checked your tire pressure lately? If the answer is no, then perhaps this is something to check out. Without properly inflated tires, there may not be proper contact between the tire and the road you travel upon. Become aware of the proper tire pressure for your vehicle and adjust accordingly. Improperly inflated tires also can overheat and cause a blowout! So, improve your gas mileage and get those tires properly inflated. You certainly don’t want to end up on the side of the road with a popped tire during a long road trip!

Though you may well have a newer vehicle, it doesn’t hurt to have the belts and hoses inspected just to be on the safe side. You don’t want to be stuck on the side of the road somewhere. So, if you don’t remember the last time you had your belts and hoses on your vehicle checked, perhaps it is time to get them changed.

Check your battery! A battery can go dead with little or no indication. If your battery is more than 3 years old, take it to a proper automotive facility to have it checked. Make sure the posts and connections are corrosion-free. Warmer weather tends to put more of a strain on our vehicle batteries.

Get that oil changed as well. Depending on the oil temperature, it’s thickness can change. The warmer it gets, the thinner it is. Oil recommendations vary based on different climates. Check in your manual to see what type of oil your car should have during the summer. It probably will recommend a thicker oil.

What? You’ve had the same wipers for 3 years? No wonder you can’t see through your windows well during a rainstorm. The life of a wiper blade is generally a year. Visibility is very important, especially during downpours. If your wipers aren’t quite touching your windshield while in motion, guess it’s time for new ones. Keep your wiper fluid reservoir full as well. Who wants mosquitoes stuck to their windows on a humid summer night?

Think you’ll never be stuck in the middle of nowhere? Well, you just never know. Have an emergency kit handy: flares, flashlight, food, water, extra clothes/gloves, extra washer fluid, basic tools and sometimes most importantly jumper cables!!!!

Enjoy a smooth ride this summer.