Warmer weather means more road trips, weekend drives, and outdoor adventures. Before hitting the road, explore these four car maintenance tips to prepare for warmer weather so that your car can handle the heat and explore the great outdoors.
1. Check Your Tire Pressure and Tread
Rising temperatures often lead to overinflation in tires, since heat increases your tires’ pressure. Regularly use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure against the tires’ recommended pounds per square inch (PSI) levels. This improves fuel efficiency and reduces the risk of a tire blowout.
While checking the tire pressure, don’t forget to inspect the tire tread. Worn-out tires are dangerous, especially on wet summer roads. For a quick check, try the penny test. Place a penny with Lincoln’s head facing down into the tread grooves. If you can see Lincoln’s entire head, it’s time for new tires.
2. Maintain Your Windshield
Your windshield deals with everything from flying bugs to intense sunlight during the warmer months. Thoroughly clean your windshield inside and out to keep your view crystal clear. Check your windshield wiper blades and replace them if they leave streaks or skip across the glass.
Inspect your windshield for any small cracks or chips. These can expand as the temperature fluctuates, leading to costly repairs. If your windshield has multiple chips or cracks, understanding how long you can go before replacing your windshield is crucial for your safety.
3. Test Your Air Conditioning
Nobody wants to drive without air conditioning (AC) in the summer heat. Test your AC system before the warm weather arrives to ensure it’s cooling the interior properly. You’ll want to bring your car to a mechanic if the AC is blowing warm air or taking too long to cool off the car. For comfortable, cool rides all summer long, have a professional inspect your AC regularly.
4. Check Fluids and Hoses
Warmer weather puts additional stress on your car’s engine, so inspecting your car’s fluid levels is essential. Check your vehicle’s oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid to ensure they’re the proper colors and at the correct levels.
Check all the rubber hoses for cracks, swelling, or wear. Warmer weather can make hoses brittle and prone to leaks. A quick replacement of a damaged hose can prevent an expensive roadside breakdown.
Follow these four car maintenance tips to prepare for warmer weather and ensure safe, stress-free drives all summer. A simple few checks today can prevent expensive repairs down the road.
