Although the end of summer is usually classified by Labor Day weekend, many believe the summer heat may last longer this year than it has in the past. With most of America seeing record highs and drought type situations, it is more important than ever to make your vehicle safe for summer driving.
Take care of your engine or it could backfire…Here are a few quick tips on maintaining your vehicle’s efficiency throughout the long hot days:
Cooling System – Having your cooling system flushed and thecoolant replaced at the beginning of every summer is a great preventive maintenance step to take. In climates where the summer months are very long and hot, it may be beneficial to flush the cooling system twice a year.
Tires – Keeping your tires properly inflated can help ensure you do not run into a blow out situation, especially during a hot day or while on vacation. It can be very easy to over inflate your tires as well, which can lead to a dangerous situation as air expands in tires when it is heated. A best practice is to check your tire pressure every couple of weeks. Also, make sure before you leave for vacation that your spare tire is in good working condition.
Engine Fluids – Driving short or long distances through hot weather conditions can put a lot of strain on your engine. As your air conditioner and other major components work over time to ensure the car is cooled, it is important to have all of the fluids checked and topped off to the appropriate levels.
Above all else, make sure you take extreme precaution when taking road trips or vacations in the car this summer. Keeping an emergency kit, paper maps (because yes GPSsystems can fail), a spare tire and spare coolant are just a few extra measures you can take.
Stay safe and stay cool!