While many of us eagerly wait for those warm summer afternoons by the pool, too bad our cars don’t always share the enthusiasm. The summer heat can have a severe negative toll on your vehicle’s systems, which in turn can hurt the wallet.
So, this is a perfect time to get your car ready for the summer months coming ahead. You’ll most certainly improve your car care skills throughout the next heatwave if you follow this car maintenance checklist. You’ve been through the winter, now time to embrace the summer!
Make Sure The A/C Is Working
The first and most obvious one, trying to drive without some type of cooling system can be uncomfortable and distracting when behind the wheel.
Chances are that you don’t have to use the air conditioning during the fall, winter, and spring months that much. So, it’s possible some problems can occur within that time frame, including filthy filters, a refrigerant leak or even an electrical issue.
Have your mechanic test the A/C during your next check-up to ensure no pending issues. It’ll be worth it, promise.
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Fill Up All Fluids
When the temperatures rise, there’s a chance that low engine fluids can either thin or evaporate. So, make sure you check your transmission fluid levels, power steering fluid, windshield wiper fluid, and coolant.
The coolant is critical as it’ll stop your engine from overheating from the summer heat. If you’re unaware of how to refill these dire fluids, consult an expert to help you maintain your car.
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Test The Brakes
Chances are that the winter months have not been kind to your brakes. If you had a nickel for every time you slammed on the brakes while on a slippery road…
You have to rely on your brake system for a safe drive, so if you notice any issues, from sticky pedals to even the faintest squeaking sound, take it to your mechanic. The last thing you need is being stuck without them on the highway.
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Change The Oil & Filters
The most important thing to check off for your car this summer is changing the oil. The oil keeps your car going as long as it has been, almost like its bloodline. The oil keeps all the crucial parts in your engine well lubricated and safe from wear and tear.
The filter also plays a vital role in removing contaminants from the engine’s oil. If you neglect to change your oil, you could end up stripping years off your car’s longevity with particle buildup. The standard rule is to change your oil every 5,000 miles or so, but if you stick to changing it at least once a year, you should be fine.
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Clean & Polish The Windows
The winter can be pretty filthy for your car. The streets are usually filled with dirty snow and muddy water, which can be a real pain visually. So, once the season has reared its ugly head, it’s a good idea to wipe all that gunk off.
All you need is some simple Windex, and you can make all your windows shine like they’re new. There are also other products you can use on your windows to reinforce them in the case of an accident. Always best to maintain your car, you never know when a foreign object like a rock could be whipped in your car’s direction.
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Park In The Garage
Best way to keep your car at a reasonable temperature, keep it out of the sun. Did you know that the sun’s heat rays can damage your car’s exterior paint while heating up the interior to uncomfortable degrees?
Both of these scenarios are not ideal for keeping your car in top shape. So, parking under a tree or investing in a cover for your vehicle might be worthwhile. If all else fails, it may be time to clean out the garage too finally; it is spring cleaning time anyway.
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Download Autoly Today!
Our car maintenance app provides users with a variety of resources that assists in diagnosing any problems or issues that may be harming your automobile. This includes a glossary of terms to understand and a dashboard scanner that’ll identify warning lights. Autoly is available for download on the App Store, Play Store and Huawei AppGallery.