Making the car summer-ready
Getting ready for long trips to the beach. (Photo Credits)
Summer means long vehicle rides, and these trips should be preceded by car check-ups and routine vehicle maintenance.
BackRoadPlanet gave vehicle owners some pointers on how to prepare one’s ride for the summer season.
“Oil must be of the appropriate summer grade and should be changed regularly (every 3-5 thousand miles or as recommended). Although warm temperatures are generally better for oil, using the wrong viscosity can be a serious problem as temperatures rise. Light oil, designed to work in the cold temperatures of winter, will be too thin to work in high temperatures and will break down and fail to lubricate engine components. At a spring oil change, make sure to switch to the grade of oil that is recommended for summer use.”
Read the rest of the vehicle parts that need to be checked and conditioned here.
Air-conditioning System
DMV.org meanwhile enumerated the areas of concern that car owners should check for the pre-summer routine maintenance check.
“However, in hot weather, your coolant could reach as high as 250 degrees, and your car could overheat. This is why your cooling system needs extra attention in the summer. But before you get under the hood, make sure your engine is cool?never remove a radiator cap when the engine is hot, or even warm. To prepare your cooling system for summer, you’ll want to check the radiator and hoses for leaks or cracks. Be sure all the connections are snug. The reservoir level should be half full and if it is low, add coolant or antifreeze. Despite all your efforts to inspect the cooling system and keep your coolant levels up, your engine could still overheat. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge on your dashboard.”
The rest of the article can be found here.
Related Mobile Windshield Repair and Replacement Services:
- Fast Mobile WindshieldRepairSD
- SDWindshield Car Window Repair
- Honda Mobile Windshield Repair
- Toyota Fast Response Windshield Repair
The website DoItYourself.com also came up with a similar article that discussed car safety during the summer. In their article they also mentioned about checking tires to ensure road worthiness during land trips.
“Tire pressure fluctuates when the temperature changes, which can happen overnight. When the tire pressure is over or under the recommended measurement, it makes your ride less fuel-efficient. It can also cause your tires to wear unevenly, meaning you will have to replace them more frequently. Rotating and balancing them regularly improves fuel efficiency and handling as well.”
Take a look at the continuation of the article here.
Preparing the car for the summer season can help ensure vehicle and road safety during those long summer rides.