With summer just around the corner, now is the time to start getting your car ready to handle the hot days ahead. Here are some tips to get your car summer-ized to avoid any unfortunate breakdowns.
1. Take Care of Your Tires
Winter can be extremely rough on tires. Not only is there the everyday wear and tear from driving on the road, but all those times spinning out in icy driveways and parking lots add an extra toll. Now that the snow is melting and the weather is warming, it’s time to make sure your tires are still in good working condition.
Examine the sidewalls and tread for damage and make sure tread depth is still good. An easy trick for checking tread depth is to take a penny and stick it into the tread groove upside down with Lincoln’s head facing you. If you can see the ex-president’s entire head, then the tire needs replacing.
2. Check Fluid Levels
Odds are that unless you had your car serviced over the winter, the fluid levels have probably not been checked. It’s understandable given all the snow and freezing weather, but now that it’s getting nice out, you need to make sure they are good. Specifically, the engine oil, coolant, power steering, and transmission fluid all need to be checked and topped off if necessary.
Depending on how long it has been, it may be time to have your fluids changed out. Specific mileage requirements vary by manufacturer, so consult the owner’s manual for specifics.
3. Get a Car Wash
This is something that should have been done at least a few times during the winter. Salt and grime have a way of getting into every nook and cranny of your car and will destroy the finish over time. Now that winter is over, give your car a good washing and pay extra attention to the undercarriage.
Some people really enjoy washing their own car but in this case, it is probably better to go to the car wash. The high-pressure water jets will be able to get all those tough to reach spots and remove any corrosive salt.
4. Check the Battery
The freezing cold of winter can play havoc with your car’s battery. A car battery uses lead plates suspended in a water-diluted acid bath and extremely low temperatures can weaken the battery’s ability to hold a charge. In addition to the cold, normal wear can cause water to leak out of the battery which will also weaken its ability to crank the engine.
You can have the battery refilled if the levels are low. Make sure to perform a physical inspection of the battery first for any signs of major damage. Some batteries are sealed and won’t be refillable. In these cases, your only option is to replace the worn out battery.
With these tips, you can keep your car in good working shape through the hot summer months. Taking these precautions will ensure you avoid costly breakdowns and time wasted waiting on a tow truck.
Image via Flickr by everycar_listed_photos
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