Last year, dealerships wrote more than 310 million repair orders, with services and parts totaling more than $116 billion. This is a clear indication that many car owners are taking car repair services seriously.
With summer right around the corner, it’s crucial to make sure your family vehicle is in the best shape possible. Hot temperatures and pavement can have a bigger impact on your vehicle than you think. The following tips will help you avoid the risk of your car breaking down as you head down for a road trip during the summer months’ high temperatures.
Prepare your tires
It is essential that you regularly check the pressure of your tires. Ensure they have the right amount of pressure, or else you may risk having them blown out due to the heat on the road surface. When you don’t use your vehicle regularly, check before using it because the tires’ air pressure can gradually reduce.
Rotate your tires before use
Rotating your tires is essential. It’s typically recommended to have your vehicle’s tires rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. Additionally, check the level of your car tires as per the recommendation from the manufacturer to avoid a blowout. The right amount will improve your braking and car handling while on the road.
Refill your fluids
A car uses different types of fluids for smooth operation and to run efficiently. Some of these fluids usually evaporate faster during hot temperatures. Some act like coolants and lubricants as they are involved in their core function of preventing some car parts from eroding due to friction. They also reduce overheating when the car is on the move. You need to check the braking fluid, motor oil, and power steering fluid to prevent car failure.
Watch out for other drivers
According to AAA, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day are considered to be the 100 Deadliest Days of the year. This is because summertime is when young drivers are more likely to be on the road. Summer is also a prime season for drunk driving, so it’s essential to be careful and to watch out for motorists that may be under the influence. While a first-time DUI offense in some states may result in $1,000 in fines, that threat isn’t often enough to keep people from getting behind the wheel when they shouldn’t. That said, keep an especially sharp eye on the road at night.
Check your battery
When there is a lot of heat and vibration, it can affect your car battery. Summer conditions can lead to your car battery having some premature internal breakdown. Ensure that your battery is mounted correctly to reduce the vibration.
You cannot control the heat level, but it is essential to continually check the battery fluid as it will evaporate quickly during the heating condition of summer weather. Make sure it is at the right level all the time. Additionally, check the cable clamps, tighten them, and clean them to prevent any corrosion that may occur.
Keep your engine cool
Summer heat not only does it affect the car battery, but it also can have a major effect on the engine. The engine will heat up, and you need to maintain the cooling system to prevent it from overheating. Ensure that your car hoses and drive belts do not have cracks and replace them when worn out.
Summer is right around the corner and now the best time to ensure that your vehicle is in the best possible shape. By following the tips above, you can be sure that your family car is ready for the hottest time of the year.