Few things are more tempting than the wide open road on a breezy summer day, especially as the polar vortex finally recedes and long-awaited sunshine begins to thaw us out.
However, while everyone knows that wintertime, with its impenetrable snowdrifts and corrosive road salt, requires a special set of preparations to help your car weather the season, few realize the protective measure you should take to extend your car’s life throughout the summer. The hot weather puts a special kind of stress on your car, but luckily any major damage can be avoided with just a few simple maintenance tips as temperatures heat up this year.
1. Overheating- Summer breakdowns are most often caused by overheating. Many cooling problems are a result of poor airflow around the radiator, which can be caused by leftover debris like pine needles and dry leaves. Check your radiator cap for cracks and damage, and make sure to replace it at least every 5 years to prevent costly maintenance down the road. Completely flush and refill your cooling system about every two years. The beginning of summer is a great time to check off smaller prevention tasks like these.
2. Air Conditioning- Of course, your engine’s not the only thing that can overheat in the summer. As anyone stuck driving to work in stifling heat can attest, there’s nothing worse than that sticky car seat feeling on a hot summer’s day. If your car’s AC is already on the shaky side, it will more than likely fail when forced to work overtime on the hottest days of the year. Have a technician inspect your compressor, evaporator and thermostat if you suspect your system’s not up to par. Replacing a worn-out belt or low refrigerant now can save you a lot of hassle later on.
3. Interior- Anyone who’s sat in a leather seat after being parked in the sun could tell you how that scorching heat definitely isn’t doing your car’s interior any favors. Use a specially-formulated conditioner to protect leather seats, preventing cracks and dry spots. The sun can sap the life out of your dashboard and other interior features, so use an inexpensive sun shade to keep the inside of your ride from looking dingy and faded!
4. Tires- You can get better speed, handling, and fuel efficiency by mounting summer tires on your car. They have a shorter sidewall and less aggressive tread than winter tires, although you can opt for all-weather tires if you don’t want to bother having them changed twice a year. Always make sure to rotate your tires every 5,000 miles, and check for any uneven wear and cupping, which could be a sign of a larger problem.
5. Road Trips- If you’re planning a summer road trip, make sure to get your car examined by a mechanic before you leave to avoid disastrous, faraway breakdowns. Generally, have all fluids, hoses, and belts checked, along with breaks and oil. Refer to the manufacturers recommendations in your car owner’s manual for vehicle-specific maintenance tips.
Whatever your summer plans, DCH Montclair Acura has the car for you! Come test drive one today!
