Hot summer temperatures and summer’s unpredictable weather can be rough on your vehicle.  You need your vehicle to always be dependable for your daily commutes, family shuttling and summer excursions.

What do I absolutely need to check?  Wondering how to prepare your car for summer? The season’s weather is rough on everything from its tires to the air conditioner.

Taking a proactive stance with seasonal vehicle maintenance is in your best interest for the longevity of your vehicle.  Make sure you are ready for the harsher conditions.  Some easy tasks to make sure key areas of your vehicle are “Hot Summer Ready” are:

Test the Air Conditioning

Your vehicle’s A/C works tirelessly to keep you and your passengers cool. Check now before the temperatures are already consistently extra hot.  To learn it is not working properly then is not good.  Give it a test run to make sure it’s blowing cool air and performing as it should consistently. This will allow you to perform any needed maintenance and repairs before consistent heat is there to stay.  A seasonal maintenance check is a good idea.

Examine the Tires

Make sure your tires are properly inflated according to the vehicle’s guidelines. Check each tire’s air pressure using a gauge.  Tires that are under- or over-inflated will compromise fuel economy, proper wear and ride.  Examine tires thoroughly for damage and measure tread depth.  Routine tire rotations every 6,000 to 8,000 will promote even tire wear.  You want your tires to be in good condition before any summer journey.

Evaluate the Battery

Hot weather can accelerate battery corrosion and reduce a battery’s capacity.  This may make it difficult for your car to start, and battery corrosion can also prevent it from starting altogether.  You can avoid this inconvenience by getting the battery tested.  If the battery’s charge is weak, invest in a new battery.

Check the Windshield Wipers

Navigating summer rainstorms requires excellent windshield wipers in good condition. If your wipers are damaged, they’ll leave streaks on the windshield that could affect visibility. Best practice is to change your wiper blades at least twice a year at the beginning of summer and winter.

Monitor Engine Temperature

As the weather gets warmer, monitor the dash-mounted gauge that provides information about your vehicle’s engine temperature.  If the temperature is in the red or hotter than normal, this could indicate a problem with the car’s radiator. There may be a leak in one of the hoses, and if so, you may notice a puddle of fluid underneath the car. Higher-than-normal engine temperatures could also mean the radiator is running low on coolant.  It’s a good idea to have your car’s cooling system flushed and refilled at certain mileage intervals.  Ask a Raben Tire service associate to check your system and when a flush is needed.  If you are adding coolant yourself, remember that should never be done while the engine is hot.  You could burn yourself while removing the radiator cap.

Raben Tire’s trained technicians perform multiple preventive maintenance services and vehicle maintenance checks.   Preventive maintenance keeps your vehicle ready for all the seasons.  https://www.rabentire.com/auto/auto-service/preventative-maintenance/.

 

Summer Savings on tires and auto services including air-conditioning, brakes, alignment and much more.   https://www.rabentire.com/specials/