As the weather warms up, it is essential to ensure that your car is prepared. If you want your car to sustain all those trips to the beach and other summer activities, taking reasonable auto maintenance measures is a must. You’ll reduce the risk of a breakdown, and your car will run longer and perform more efficiently. Below are some tips for taking care of your car this summer.

Summer Car Care Advice

1. Check the Air Conditioning System 

Before the start of summer, run the air conditioner to ensure it’s working properly. If it is blowing warm air or the cooling efficiency seems off, take your car into a service center for auto maintenance. A certified technician can improve the airflow into the cabin, replace the refrigerant if it’s low, and address other issues that may affect the cooling system’s operation.

2. Don’t Let the Engine Overheat

Keep an eye on the condition of hoses that circulate liquid coolant to the engine and back to the radiator for recooling. Never let the level of coolant in the reserve tank fall below the minimum mark. When it starts to get low, add coolant to bring the level back up to maximum. Also, watch for coolant leaks around the joints. If the hoses appear dry and cracked or feel soft and squishy, have them replaced.

3. Inspect Your Tires

Get into the habit of visually inspecting your tires every time you get behind the wheel. Use the penny test to assess the depth of treads if they appear worn. In addition, there should be no cracks or signs of uneven wear, which indicate that an alignment is needed. Keep your tires inflated to the pressure designated in your owner’s manual. Underinflated tires on hot roads raise the chances of blowouts. Also, don’t forget to check the pressure in the spare. You may need it if you have got a long road trip planned.

4. Keep the Windshield Clean

To maintain visibility, don’t let your windshield get dirty. If you keep your windshield free of grime and replace wiper blades when worn, your vision will be sharper at night and on hot and hazy summer days. Make sure you always have enough wiper fluid, as this will increase the efficiency of your windshield wipers. 

The ASE®-certified service technicians at Hayworth Auto Repair in High Point, NC, make safe vehicle operation and affordability a top priority. Their prompt and cost-effective diagnostic checks, engine repairs, oil changes, and air conditioning fixes will prevent summer breakdowns. Visit them online to learn about their auto maintenance services, or call (336) 869-3056 to discuss how to keep your car or truck performing at its best all season long.