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Year-round auto maintenance is necessary to avoid costly repairs, but it’s especially important in summer when at least half of vacationing families hit the road for the summer. Road trips are fun and budget-friendly ways to travel, but no one likes to get stranded because their vehicle breaks down in the summer heat. Before you pack up the car, schedule these maintenance tasks so your road trip doesn’t get wrecked.

4 Auto Maintenance Tasks to Complete Before Your Summer Road Trip

1. Replace the Windshield Wipers

Your car’s windshield wipers should be replaced every six months unless they leave streaks, in which case they should be replaced sooner. Summer is an ideal time to replace them. You’ll need to see clearly during your long drive, which is certain to include bug splatter, rain, and dust.

2. Inspect the Tires

auto maintenancePoor tire tread can detour your road trip quickly, especially if you encounter wet conditions. Low tire tread makes it easier to hydroplane in the rain, experience a flat tire, or have a blow out while driving. Tire pressure fluctuations due to the summer heat on worn tires can make driving dangerous. Have an auto maintenance specialist inspect your tread and rotate your tires to prevent uneven wear.

3. Get an Oil Change

Routine oil changes are required maintenance for all vehicles, but they often come with the benefit of multi-point inspections from trained mechanics. They will check your vehicle’s fluid levels and run computer diagnostics on basic parts. Your car should be well lubricated before you hit the road. If you drive long distances with old or low oil, you run the risk of overheating and ruining your engine. 

4. Service the Air Conditioning

A road trip in the summer heat would be nearly unbearable without air conditioning, so have it inspected and serviced before your journey starts. An auto technician will replace air filters, check the coolant, and run diagnostics to make sure your AC system is performing as it should.

 

If you're planning a road trip, rely on high-quality auto maintenance from the certified technicians at Columbus Auto Repair in Ohio. Serving Franklin County, this auto repair shop offers routine maintenance along with brake service, engine and transmission repairs, and computer diagnostics. Call (614) 601-6900 or visit them online to schedule an appointment today.

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