Summer Vehicle Maintenance Tips
The summer season means an increase of time on the road with vacations, day trips, camping, etc. We feel more comfortable driving in the summer because the weather conditions are usually optimal compared to the rest of the seasons, especially here in Pennsylvania. At the same time, the increase in driving time also leads to an increase in car trouble. This is because the heat can have a major impact on the systems in your car, so if you have a lot of plans for this busy season, let’s make sure your car is safely prepared to undertake the demand. The staff at Impact is here to help you keep your vehicle on the road. Continue reading this week’s blog to learn more about how to keep your car running smoothly, even when the weather is hot.
Check Your AC & Change Your Oil
These two things are some of the simplest, but most important things you should do to prepare for the season. In the summer heat, your air conditioning is running more than any other time during the year. If the weather is getting to dangerous temperatures and you don’t have a functioning air conditioning system in your vehicle, you might put yourself or your family in danger. If your AC doesn’t work at all or is working improperly, make sure to bring it to the shop so we can check it out and fix it or get you a replacement. As for your oil and filter, changing these is quick and relatively inexpensive. If you don’t change your oil regularly, you can have oil problems with your car that will end up costing you more than 2 or 3 oil changes. Usually, the recommended time frame is an oil change every 5,000 miles.
Make Sure Your Tires are Functional
Winter and spring can be harsh on your tires, especially if you are located on the East Coast like we are. Check the pressure in your tires and make sure they are maintaining the right amount of pressure. Different vehicles have different recommendations of what your PSI should be. If you aren’t sure what this number is, make sure to research it or find your manual so you are taking the best care of your car that you can. Keeping your tires at the recommended pressure can prevent flats and other issues. Making sure your tires are inflated can also increase your gas mileage. It can also be wise here to check on your spare tire while you do this and make sure it is ready to step in if need be.
Make Sure Your Engine Fluids Are Full
Your engine fluids are often low after a seasonal weather transition. They get thin and evaporate when the temperature continues to get warmer. These include transmission fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, and even windshield wiper fluid. Out of all of these, coolant fluid is the most important to check in the summer. It keeps your car and its operating system from overheating and causing a disaster. To check your car’s coolant levels, open the hood and find the reservoir. Open the cap and check the level that is shown by the indication line. If it is too low, fill it up and make sure to put the cap back on. If you don’t feel confident doing this yourself, we would be happy to do it for you here at the shop!
Test Your Brakes
After a particularly cold and stormy winter, your car’s brake performance might be less than ideal. And, think about it, your brakes are one of the most essential parts of you driving successfully. Listen for loud grinding and groaning sounds when you brake. Or any kind of pulling when your brake. If any of these are apparent to you after testing them, it might be time to bring your vehicle into the shop for some new brakes and rotors.
Keep Your Vehicle and Engine Cool
When it is really hot outside, try to make sure you keep your car in the shade as much as you can. It keeps the inner working cool and also extends the life of your vehicle. Extreme heat can also make the interior of your car hotter, making it dangerous for you to touch after being out of it for too long. This also applies to your engine. It has a cooling system and will indicate if the engine is overheating. This is more likely to happen during the summer months when the weather is at its hottest. If this happens, make sure you pull over and don’t move again until your engine is cool and okay to drive. If it does not cool down, call us at the shop and we will get it taken care of!
Enjoy the Heat Responsibly
It’s no secret that most people in the North East love the summer months, including us. However, it is important to be responsible with your vehicle during these times and listen to it when it may be giving you signs that it is damaged or needs to be worked on. If you notice any of the issues we wrote about above and it's been a while since you replaced some of the older parts in your vehicle, give Impact Truck & Auto a call at (814) 387-5031 and we will get your vehicle running in top shape!
