Why are car maintenance tips so important? During the summer months, people tend to put a lot of wear and tear on their cars. Whether it’s a weekend getaway, a quick day trip, or a cross-country road trip, vacations can include a lot of driving. With this comes the need for consistent maintenance on your vehicle to make sure that it is in tip-top shape to take out onto the road.
Keep the following care maintenance tips in mind so you can ensure that you will not run into any issues once you begin your road trip – long or short!
1 – Test the AC.
No matter how long of a distance you’re driving, during the summer heat you are going to want to make sure that the AC in your car is working at its top potential. Make sure to keep an eye on the AC to make sure that it is not blowing out any hot air. If this is the case, be sure to visit a mechanic as soon as possible to get it fixed.
2 – Check your tires’ air pressure.
The air pressure on your tires may fluctuate given the colder conditions in the fall and winter seasons. Be sure to check the air pressure of your tires to make sure that they are not under inflated, or that they are not too inflated. Generally, you will want to make sure that your tire pressure is between 30 and 35 pounds per square inch.
3 – Don’t forget your spare tire.
Speaking of tires, before going on a longer road trip make sure to double check that your spare tire is in your vehicle, and that it is in good shape! Check the inflation of your spare tire too in case of emergency.
4 – Make sure you change your oil.
Getting your oil changed is one of the most important things to do as a car owner. This is a great way to make sure that your car is healthy for the roads and to increase the amount of time that you will be able to operate it. Changing your oil consistently is vital so that you do not run into issues such as particle buildup. If you own a car, or if you are leasing, check with your car manufacturer to see the recommended number of miles you should wait to change your oil.
5 – Test your brakes.
This tip is key! Regardless of what month or season it is, always monitor how your brakes are performing. You will want to keep tabs on this, so you do not run into any issues where your car is not stopping! Some signs that your brakes may not be in good shape include squealing or harsh noises, or if your car pulls from one side to the other when you are trying to brake.
6 – Clean your car.
New season, new you! At the start of each season, or monthly if you are able, give your car a deep clean so that you can keep your car organized and in good shape, especially if you plan to drive others. This will help with the overall maintenance of the car, whether you own it or are leasing.
7 – Keep your engine cool.
You may have noticed a temperature gauge in your car that helps to monitor how hot or cool the engine is. During the scorching heat in the summertime, you’ll want to ensure that your car is not overheating. If you get notified that your engine is overheating, pull over and wait for it to cool down before resuming your trip.
8 – Park in the shade.
If you can, (especially if you have black leather seats!), try to park your car in the shade when arriving at your destination, so that it is not overheating or damaging the exterior of your car. Plus, no one wants to grip on a burning hot steering wheel!