With weeks of warm weather ahead, you and your family will spend much more time out of the house, driving to summer camps, relative’s homes, and everyday errands. That means, your vehicle will be more vulnerable to heat-related issues, such as breakdowns and tire blowouts. Luckily, you can avoid these accidents by prioritizing preventative maintenance. Here are just a few summer car care tips to add to your to-do list.

Have a Safe Summer on the Road With These Preventative Maintenance Tips

1. Check on Tire Pressure

During the summer, the high temperatures directly affect the pressurized air within your tires. If they aren’t filled to the manufacturer-recommended PSI, you could be at risk of a blowout on the road, putting yourself, passengers, and nearby drivers in danger. To avoid this accident, check the tire pressure levels every few weeks when your tires are at a reasonable temperature — such as in your garage — and replace air as necessary.

2. Take Care of the Battery

It’s no secret that extreme temperatures can take a toll on car batteries. However, did you know that vibrations could also lead to overheating? If your battery isn’t properly positioned, it might rattle while you drive, resulting in friction and added heat. In addition to checking its placement, you need to clean corrosion off your car’s battery, which develops naturally over time. If left unaddressed, this buildup could prevent your battery from delivering enough energy to the engine, and your car won’t start at all.

3. Refill Fluids as Needed

Your car’s numerous systems rely on lubrication to reduce friction-induced heat, but over time, these liquids will deteriorate. They gradually become thicker and grainier, no longer allowing for smooth motion between metal parts. During the summer, it’s especially important to refill engine oil, motor oil, and transmission fluid for this reason. You’ll also need to check on the coolant supply, which runs through hoses to lower the temperature of the engine. If the parts under the hood don’t have the fluids they need, you’ll have an increased chance of breaking down.

Summer poses many hazards for vehicles, but by adopting these preventative maintenance tips, you can avoid the worst of them. Should you need professional help, head to Highway Garage & Auto Body Center of Chagrin Falls, OH. They are conveniently located 1½ miles north of State Route 422, off of State Route 306 (Chillicothe Road); on East Washington Street, next to McFarland Corners Shopping Center. They have over 45 years of experience with repairing cars after collisions and malfunctions, but their preventative maintenance tactics will help you stave off expensive repairs. For more information on their work, visit the website, or call (440) 708-0600 today.