Summer is right around the corner! Before planning any road trips, don’t forget that the scorching heat brings its own set of car troubles making car care equally as important as it is in the winter! So, if your summer is filled with travel and beach days, we’re here to help you prepare safely. Ensuring your vehicle is prepared this summer can go a long way to protect your car and your loved ones. Read on as we outline 11 car maintenance tips before entering the hottest season as well as some local road trip ideas!
1. Test the A/C
This might sound like a no-brainer, but you probably haven’t been using your A/C much during the winter months so it’s proactive to test it now before it gets too hot! If hot air is coming out of your vents when you turn on your A/C, it may need a basic service or something more complete. A/C systems run at very high pressures, they should be checked by professionals only. Bring your car down to Luke’s Auto Service in Essex County NJ and our certified technicians will be able to diagnose and treat the problem. Read more about why your vehicle’s A/C isn’t blowing cold air here.
2. Check Your Tires
Winter conditions may have done some damage to your tires. First, check your tire pressure. Keep in mind that changes in temperature affect your tire pressure. Be sure to check the pressure first thing in the morning. The heat will inflate your tires a little and you’ll want to check them when they’re cold. Optimal tire pressure can prevent a flat tire or tire blowout. Ensuring your tires are properly inflated can also help maximize your gas mileage on those long road trips. While you’re at it, it’s also a good idea to check the air pressure of your spare tire (if your vehicle holds one) to make sure it will serve as a reliable alternative in case of an emergency.
Next, check the tread on your vehicle’s tires. Look for worn spots, bald patches, radials poking through. Also check the sidewalls for nicks, cuts, or cupping. Generally, tires should be replaced when the tread is 3-4/32″.
Lastly, you should also rotate your tires every 5,000 miles. Rotating them will help even out any wear they may experience, by allowing all four tires to work in each position of the car.
3. Top Off Engine Fluids
Seasonal weather shifts can often lead to low engine fluids as they tend to thin out or even evaporate in warm temperatures. This is a good time of year to top off your transmission fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, and windshield wiper fluid.
Coolant fluid is particularly important to check during the summer months, as its job is to keep your car’s engine from overheating, guard against corrosion, and lubricates your water pump. Keep in mind, that your entire coolant system should be flushed and refilled about every 24 months.
4. Get Your Oil & Filter Changed
Getting your oil and filter changed is one of the simplest ways to increase the longevity of your vehicle. A good rule of thumb is to change your oil every 5,000 miles (7,500 miles for synthetic oil) or follow your car manufacturer’s oil maintenance guidelines.
5. Test Your Brakes
It’s important to consistently monitor your car’s brake performance. You rely on your brakes every time you drive, so it’s a good idea to do regular brake tests year-round! Other than poor stopping performance, you’ll want to listen for squealing or growling sounds when testing your brakes. If you notice any of these poor performance signs, come down for a brake inspection and potentially a repair.
6. Replace Windshield Wipers and Check Lights
In summer, dust and pollen particles or even the sun’s glare can impair your ability to see clearly out of your windshield. Signs of wear include splitting, cracking, or skipping, or if they’re more than six months old. It’s a good idea to check or replace your windshield wipers at the end of each season. Additionally, make sure pollen and other particles aren’t covering your headlights. Clean with a moist cloth and replace any dim or burnt-out bulbs.
7. Check Battery
Your car’s battery doesn’t necessarily have a season that affects its performance, but without it, your car isn’t even going to get down the street. So it’s best to get it checked routinely.
8. Inspect Belts and Hoses
Belts should be replaced if they’re cracked, fraying, or glazed. Hoses should also be checked for cracks, as well as swelling and leaks. The heat of summer will only make these conditions worse and may cause a breakdown.
9. Keep Your Engine Cool
Every car has a cooling system with the job of removing heat from the engine to maintain proper temperatures. The cooling system is made up of coolant, hoses, a thermostat, a radiator, and a water pump. If your vehicle’s temperature gauge is indicating high levels, this could mean your vehicle is overheating. If this happens, pull over and wait for your engine to cool down. As this is a serious problem, get your car towed down to Luke’s Auto Service and our technicians will inspect it.
10. Clean Your Car
Keeping both the exterior and interior of your car clean doesn’t just make you feel good; it also benefits your vehicle long-term. Read more about the benefits of cleaning your car here. Hot temperatures can melt plastics, food, or other rubbish left inside your car and could damage your car’s interior. Additionally, keeping your exterior clean can protect the paint from the sun, as well as damage caused by any birds or insects, and prevent your car’s parts from rusting.
11. Park Your Car in the Shade
On hot days, as much as you can, try to park your car in the shade. The sun’s rays could damage the exterior of your car and could heat up the interior of your car, like the steering wheel and leather seats, making it difficult to drive. Having window shades in your car is a good idea in case you are unable to park your car in the shade.
New Jersey Summer Road Trip Ideas:
New Jersey Beaches
The Garden State is home to some of the best beach towns in the country! From Long Branch to Cape May, every city and small town along the shore has its own distinct personality.
New Jersey Waterfalls Trip
There may not be many waterfalls in New Jersey, but they are very pretty! Take a trip to see our tallest waterfall (Buttermilk Falls) and our most powerful waterfall (Great Falls) this summer!
Small Town Road Trip
There are so many beautiful small towns around the state. Take a trip along the western side of the state to towns including Hope, Haddonfield, and Lambertville.
Natural Wonders of NJ Road Trip
We’ve got an abundance of natural beauty all over the state, but this trip focuses on natural wonders in Northern NJ. You’ll see beautiful river views, towering cliffs, and gorgeous lakes in Palisades Interstate Park, Wawayanda Lake, Skyland Association, and High Point.
Upstate NY
Upstate NY has the most beautiful roads to drive on during summer and fall. Take a trip to the mountains and lakes in Upstate NY and be sure to stop by Paradox Brewery while you’re up there for a refreshing IPA!
Summer is an exciting time for all, and your car can take you on new adventures and destinations. Keeping your car in great condition by staying current with routine and seasonal maintenance is one way to protect your vehicle and your safety. By checking off this list before summer will help your vehicle perform strong, regardless of the heat!
References:
Images: