Most people love summer – they love the sunshine, great weather, and outdoor activities. Many of us also like to drive more during summer months. However, if you want to be sure that your car will work in the best possible way during these summer months, then you have prepared it properly. This is especially important for those who are planning on long driving in the summer period. In cases like this maintenance and service is a must. In this way, you will prevent accidents and you will make sure that your holiday trip won’t be ruined. Here are some of the things that you should take care of.
- A/C and Cooling System
An overheated engine is one of the most common problems in the summer period. High speed and hot air can bring many negative effects on the engine. In addition, traffic jams during hot summer days can also lead to overheating. In order to prevent more serious problems, check the car’s air condition system. Make sure that it is optimized. It is a smart idea to take your car to a professional service provider where you can replace and recharge your air conditioning system. These professionals can also look for damaged parts.
While you are there, you should check the coolant strength too. It’s a smart move to flush out the old liquid because it can trigger a corrosion of certain car parts. Finally, check the vents and remove any blockages.
- Lights
Now here’s another important thing that you should do in order to prepare your car for the summer period. People tend to drive more during night time in summer. So, check whether all LEDs and ordinary lights in your car are working properly. Needless to say, you should replace lights and bulbs that are not working right away. It’s also a smart idea to clean the lenses from time to time especially in summer when debris and dust can block them.
- Wheels and tires
Summer is the time of the year when you should replace the winter tires with summer or all-weather tires. Remember to inspect the summer/all-weather tires for tread depth, cuts, wearing and pressure before you start driving. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines for tread depth and tire pressure. In case you are planning on driving for a long time for your holiday trip, it’s quite logical to store a spare wheel in the trunk. Store a working jack too. Finally, check whether the wheels are aligned in the right way.
- Windscreen and wipers
Experienced drivers know that summer wind can bring dirt and dust on the windshield. In addition, there are many insects that end up on the windshield too. This is something that can make driving more difficult. Replace your worn out wipers and check the level of solvent in the windscreen washer.
In addition – Inspect the seatbelts, check the engine oil, test the battery and bring an emergency kit. These tips should help you prepare your car for the hot summer months.