Summer is a great time to be out and about, but how can you get anywhere if your ride keeps giving up on you? Just like your body, your car has to be summer-ready, as the heat and dust during this season comes with its own set of hazards for any vehicle. Check if your car is ready to hit the summer roads by doing the following.
Check the air conditioning
Everyone likes a literally cool ride in the summer. To see if your car can cool you adequately, test it out before the sun is blazing at its hottest outside or before you take the vehicle on a long road trip. If you notice that the air does not cool you enough, the AC system might need more refrigerant. You can usually get refrigerants at an auto store, where they can also help you with replenishing the supply.
Replace the air filters regularly to prevent the system from overworking, and improve the air quality within your car. Mechanics offer specials to check your car’s AC system and fix it to ensure that it works at its peak efficiency.
Tinting your car windows will also help keep the interior cool, and filter the intense glare of the summer sun.
Look under your car’s hood
Do this only when your car has not been driven in several hours, otherwise, the engine will be too hot to touch. Once you are sure the engine has cooled, lift the hood and check for any loose or cracked hoses. Examine the rubber components, such as hoses and belts, and make sure that they are not frayed or warped.
Give all the caps a little twist to check if they are tight and not broken. Make sure that nothing is blocked by any debris, especially around the air filter and radiator.
Look for signs of leaks under the hood and on the ground. Water condensing and dripping is normal when the car AC is running, but iridescent or oily fluids tend to signify trouble, and you should get it inspected by a mechanic right away.
Examine your tires
The pressure in your tires fluctuates with the temperature, and this can happen overnight. Having a tire pressure that is under or over the recommended measurement makes a vehicle a lot less fuel efficient. Your tires can also wear unevenly due to inadequate pressure, and you will need to replace them more often. To improve fuel efficiency and handling, rotate and balance your tires regularly.
Swap out the tires you used over the winter for summer tires once the season gets warm. This helps with gripping and handling the road better during warmer seasons.
Test your battery
Higher temperatures tend to take a toll on car batteries. Before you start noticing that it is getting depleted, like when you start having trouble starting your car, have your battery tested in the auto stores. Most stores usually offer this service for free.
Each season presents its own challenges on the road. For your car to roll smoothly throughout the year, you need to make the necessary adjustments for every reason. Doing so will guarantee you a smooth and safe ride for all the months ahead.
