Summer is the time for big cross-country road trips, visiting family members, and weekend adventures. Whatever your plans might be, you’ll probably be spending more time behind the wheel, so it pays to invest in the dependability of your car. The auto maintenance guide below will help keep an unexpected breakdown from disrupting your fun under the sun.

3 Auto Maintenance Tips for Summer

1. Check the Fluids

Fresh supplies of essential fluids are crucial for the healthy operation of your car, especially the oil. If yours hasn’t been changed since the beginning of spring, investing in new lubricant will prolong the life of your engine by helping its parts to move smoothly against each other instead of causing wear. Coolant is also important during the scorching summer months for preventing overheating, so check your radiator, as well as the brake, transmission, and power steering fluid. Top off any that seem low, and have the system checked for leaks.

2. Inspect the Tires

Changing temperatures will affect the air pressure inside your tires, potentially leaving them under- or over-inflated so they are at greater risk of blowouts. Checking the tire pressure every 1,000 miles to make sure it falls within the manufacturer’s recommendations should be a regular part of your auto maintenance schedule. In addition, inspect the tires themselves for shallow treads, which could negatively impact your car’s traction on rain-soaked highways.

3. Replace Worn Brake Pads

Brake pads naturally wear out, eventually becoming too thin to effectively stop your car. A squealing sound is usually the first sign that you need new pads, but it’s worthwhile to have them checked by an auto maintenance professional before a long trip. New brake pads will maximize the stopping power of the entire system, potentially helping you avoid serious accidents and other obstacles.
 

For over 40 years, Hillis 66 has provided comprehensive auto maintenance and repairs for drivers throughout the Lincoln, NE, area. Their team of highly experienced automotive experts has the tools and equipment to maximize the performance of any vehicle. Visit their website for more on their services, get more tips and advice on Facebook, or call (402) 474-2891 to make an appointment today.