PREPARE YOUR CAR FOR SUMMER DRIVING TODAY.
Once you make it through winter, it’s tempting to relax and neglect your vehicle. After all, the harsh conditions that make winter driving so stressful for your vehicle are over, right?
While that’s true, summer brings its own set of challenges. Scorching heat, relentless humidity, heavy rain and other factors all impact your vehicle.
But, by taking a bit of time now, you can make it easier for your vehicle to deal with summer conditions — and perhaps prevent some eye-popping repair bills later.
Follow this Summer Vehicle Maintenance Checklist to care for your vehicle in the hottest season.
- Start with the basics — get an oil change:
If you live in a mild climate or will be towing a trailer, a higher viscosity oil might be necessary. - Inspect your belts and hoses for evidence of damage (such as cracks, fraying, leakage or swelling):
The heat and humidity of summer will only make these conditions worse, and might cause a breakdown at an inopportune moment. Shop online or stop by shop for a complete selection of belts and hoses, and other quality car parts. - Evaluate your windshield wipers:
While they survived winter, it doesn’t mean they’re ready to tackle summer. And you don’t want to deal with inadequate windshield clearing when thunderstorms hit. Make sure you get your windshield wipers checked sooner than later. - Take a look the condition of your coolant, as well as its level:
If necessary, add coolant or perform a flush-and-fill. Summer’s heat makes it more difficult for your engine to keep its cool. - Test your battery:
While rough starting conditions are associated with winter, summer actually can be more demanding on your battery. Make sure you check your battery health by getting it tested by us or another shop. - Assess your air conditioning system’s performance:
If it fails to give you the usual relief, you might need to add refrigerant. Or, see if there’s another cause, such as a leak, loose drive belt or a clogged condenser. - Check the tread on your tires:
Rain-slickened roads shorten stopping distances and impair maneuverability. Poor tire tread worsens both conditions. So, replace your tires as needed. - Rotate your tires — and be sure to frequently check their air pressure:
Big temperature swings — such as from the extreme daytime heat to the relative cool overnight — can cause your tires to lose pressure more quickly. This can lead to inferior performance and reduced gas mileage.
Get the expert advice you need to complete your summer preventative maintenance checklist.
Whether it’s for winter or summer driving, Burnt Mills Auto Body has the quality auto parts you need for added safety and performance. Plus, our staff is ready to answer your questions, and guide you through your vehicle maintenance checklist. So, why go it alone?
Trust Burnt Mill Auto Body and give us a call TODAY to schedule your vehicle maintenance checklist.
EMAIL US at burntmillsab@comcast.net or CALL US (301) 593-8828 and ask to Speak to Nick or Eric.
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