As summer approaches, many of us look forward to road trips and adventures. However, nothing can ruin a vacation faster than a vehicle breakdown. To ensure your vehicle is ready for the heat and long drives, a pre-summer maintenance routine is essential. This months’ blog post covers the importance of this routine and highlights seven key maintenance items to check before hitting the road.
The Importance of a Pre-Summer Maintenance Routine
Summer brings higher temperatures, which can put additional stress on your vehicle. A thorough maintenance check can prevent breakdowns, improve fuel efficiency, and ensure your safety. By addressing potential issues before they become problems, you can enjoy a worry-free summer on the road.
Key Maintenance Items
- Tires
- Degradation: Over time, tires lose tread and can develop cracks. Temperature fluctuations can also affect tire pressure.
- Maintenance: Check the tread depth and look for any signs of wear or damage. Ensure your tires are properly inflated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Many vehicle owners neglect the spare, only to find out it is underinflated at the time of a flat. Have the spare tire inspected, and inflated to the proper pressure, if necessary.
- Battery
- Degradation: Heat can accelerate the chemical reaction inside the battery, leading to a shorter lifespan. Corrosion can also build up on battery terminals.
- Maintenance: Test your battery’s charge and clean any corrosion from the terminals. Most batteries last about three years, depending on where you may live and drive your vehicle. If it is past that time, consider proactively replacing the battery to avoid a breakdown.
- Coolant System
- Degradation: Coolant can degrade over time, losing its effectiveness in preventing overheating and corrosion.
- Maintenance: Check the coolant level and top it off if necessary. It is advisable to have your service technician flush your coolant every few years. This ensures that any built up sludge or dirt is cleaned from the system to help it operate more effectively.
- Oil and Oil Filter
- Degradation: Oil can become dirty and less effective at lubricating the engine, especially in hot weather.
- Maintenance: Change the oil and oil filter according to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule. You may want to consider using a different grade oil for summer weather. The viscosity of oil is important to temperature variations, so talk with your service technician about the best one for your specific vehicle.
- Air Conditioning System
- Degradation: Over time, the refrigerant in your A/C system can leak, reducing its cooling efficiency.
- Maintenance: Have your A/C system checked for leaks and recharged if necessary. If you have not had the cabin filter changed, it’s a good idea to do that so that there are no blockages, and your cabin air is clean.
- Brakes
- Degradation: Brake pads and rotors wear down with use, and heat can exacerbate this wear.
- Maintenance: Inspect the brake pads and rotors for wear and replace them if needed. While inspecting the brakes, make sure to check the brake fluid and top it off, if necessary.
- Belts and Hoses
- Degradation: Rubber belts and hoses can crack, fray, or become brittle over time, especially in high temperatures.
- Maintenance: Inspect all belts and hoses for signs of wear and replace any that show damage.
By taking the time to perform these maintenance tasks, you can ensure your vehicle is ready for the demands of summer travel. Not only will this help prevent inconvenient breakdowns, but it will also enhance your safety and comfort on the road. So, before you set off on your next adventure, give your vehicle the attention it deserves and enjoy a smooth, worry-free journey.
If you would like to have a pre-summer vehicle inspection, contact the service professionals at Geller’s Automotive to schedule an appointment.
