3 Ways To Prepare Your Car For Summer

As winter settles in with cold winds and snow blanketing the landscape, preparing your car for the warm summer months is likely the last thing on your mind. But even while summer may seem like a distant dream, now is the time to start making a checklist of services you will need performed so that your car will be running in top form during the hot summer days. Here are a few tips to add to your list. 

Air conditioning

Your car's air conditioning is very important for a comfortable ride, particularly if you live in an area where the summers get very hot. To ensure that your air conditioning is working properly well before the dog days of summer,

• have your air conditioning system hoses and seals checked for damage or wear.
• have the refrigerant topped up if necessary. Low refrigerant will result in poor air conditioner performance.
• clean or replace cabin air filters, particularly if you suffer from allergies.

Brakes and shocks

 

Are you planning to haul a camper or boat for a family vacation? Pulling a trailer adds a lot of extra strain on your car, so make sure your vehicle is ready for pulling the additional weight. Towing a trailer or camper increases the momentum of your vehicle, so it is paramount that the brakes on your car, as well as the trailer you are towing, are in top shape. Likewise, to keep your vehicle stable while towing, ensure that your shocks are in good shape.   

Tune up

The changing season is a good time to give your vehicle a general tune-up. A few things to look for include:

• Windshield wipers: You will want your windshield wipers in good condition for the spring rains and summer thunderstorms. Have defective wipers replaced.  
• Oil: The change of seasons is a good time to book your regular oil change.
• Belts: Check for worn or cracked belts, and replace any that need attention.
• Tires: Under inflated tires can present a hazard on hot roads, raising the risk of a blowout. Ensure that your tires are inflated to the car manufacturer's guidelines.
• Fluids: Your vehicle's cooling system needs to be in top shape to avoid overheating in the hot summer months. Regularly check your car's fluids and top them up as needed. Inspect your radiator cap and hoses for signs of damage or wear.

The summer months will soon be upon us, but with a little preparation, your car will be ready to take you through the hot weather with minimal problems. Talk to a professional like Redlands Auto Electric for more information.

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