As summer approaches, millions of people will start planning their road trips. Perhaps you already have your ideal travel destination in mind. It's recommended that you perform important car maintenance before hitting the road. Summer's volatile climate changes could damage your vehicle. Operating your vehicle at less than peak performance could lead to an unhappy summer vacation.
Here are some important car care tips for summer to help your vehicle run smoothly while you enjoy your vacation.
Seasonal changes can drain your car's transmission and steering fluid, coolant, and possibly your windshield wiper fluid. You should check your fluid levels before hitting the road for your summer adventure. Research shows that many cars deal with overheating during summer's apex. If you prefer to have a professional check your fluid levels, stop by a repair shop or convenience store and let a mechanic inspect your fluids.
One of summer’s most important car care tips is getting an oil change. Extreme weather conditions can over-extend the workload on your oil and oil filter. Your oil's primary function is to lubricate your engine and help function properly. The oil filter helps prevent dirt, debris, and other fragments from damaging the system. Clean oil filters will catch all the harmful material, allowing the oil to stay clean.
Gradual wear and tear on your tires are expected. Your tires have to adapt to unique road conditions every day. Driving over the wrong pothole or bump can cause significant damage to your car. Your tires gain and lose pressure based on the current temperature. During the fall and winter, your tires may lose air every month. Before hitting the road this summer, check to see if your tires are properly inflated. If your tire pressure is low, your tires may wear out quickly. Inspect your spare tire as well to make sure that you will be safe on the road at all times.
Extreme heat causes rapid fluid loss, draining your battery. As your battery erodes, it will eventually shut down. This may leave you stranded while on vacation, which is a nightmare. It's recommended that you have a mechanic perform a battery test before hitting the road for your summer vacation. The diagnosis should inform you of the temperature that could cause your battery to fail and leave you in an uncomfortable position.
Inspecting your brakes is one of summers’s most important car care tips. Your vehicle cannot function properly without strong brakes. If you're planning a long road trip, you will likely experience a traffic jam. Stop- and-go traffic could damage your brakes. Driving in poor weather conditions can also damage your brakes. If your brakes start making loud noises, that is a clear sign that something is wrong, and you must inspect your brakes.
If your car pulls to one side while you're driving or your steering wheel vibrates, that is a sign that your vehicle alignment needs to be inspected. The alignment may fall out of place due to wear and tear or your vehicle colliding with too many dangerous potholes. Driving on rough roads can also damage your vehicle's alignment. Re-aligning your vehicle reduces pressure on your tires and helps you save money on fuel.
Summer is a great time to explore new adventures and have fun with your loved ones. These car care tips for summer will help you stay safe while traveling around. If you have any questions, contact our team here at Fuller Insurance Agency, and we will assist you.
