How Can I Get My Car Ready for Summer Road Trips?

Many drivers don’t maintain their vehicles properly during the winter and early spring because it’s cold. But summer’s hot temperatures and dusty conditions can be hard on cars, and notably during those much-anticipated vacation road trips. And, you certainly don’t want to get stranded on the steamy roadside with your overheated kids in tow. The key to getting your vehicle ready for summertime driving is preventing mechanical breakdowns in advance. Before heading out on your exciting road trip, use these summer driving car maintenance tips from the pros.

Summer Road Conditions are Hard on Engines

Here are some of the ways that summer’s hot, dry weather and congested road conditions can wreak havoc upon your vehicle’s mechanical components:

• Accelerates tire, hose and drive belt aging
• Strains your cooling system and A/C to the limit  
• Stop-and-go driving is hard on the engine, transmission and brakes
• Dust and dirt can clog your engine’s filters and reduce performance  

Do These Before Hitting the Road

Fortunately, there are several preventative measures you can take to help ensure a more seamless summertime travel experience, starting with these:  

Check the Tires

If you put winter tires on your car, make sure to swap them out for a good all-season tire with enough tread to get you safely through those summer rainstorms. Every 10-degree F rise in air temperature increases tire pressure by one PSI. Improperly inflated tires can overheat on long trips and cause blowouts. Check your tire pressure at least weekly and rotate your tires every 5,000 miles.   

Test the A/C  

Since you probably don’t use the A/C much during the winter or spring, run it for a little while to make sure it blows out cold air. Are there any strange noises or odors? If you notice anything unusual, the system may need to be cleaned or recharged, or it could have a leak. To give you peace-of-mind, have it inspected by a pro.

Look Under the Hood

Most drivers don’t check under the hood when it’s chilly outside. Now that it’s warmer, pop the hood when the engine’s cold and look over the:

• Battery. Is there corrosion around the posts? If so, clean it off with an old toothbrush and baking soda. Check it again a few weeks later. If the corrosion is back, it could be signaling a more serious issue. If so, you may want to replace the battery.
• Oil. Check your oil level and top it off with the specified summer grade found in your owner’s manual. If it hasn’t been replaced for 3500 miles (conventional oil) or 5000 miles (synthetic), get an oil change. Remember that oil filters can also clog up faster during dusty summertime conditions.
• Coolant. Check your coolant’s level and appearance in the overflow reservoir. It should be clear and not cloudy, and if you need to top it off use a 50/50 mixture that’s specified for your vehicle’s make and model. If your coolant hasn’t been changed for over 5 years or 100,000 miles, a flush-and-fill is probably a good idea.
• Brakes. These should be inspected by a mechanic at recommended intervals found in your owner’s manual, or sooner if you notice unusual grabbing, vibrating, noises or longer stopping distances.
• Belts, clamps and hoses. Visually inspection your engine’s drive belts, clamps and hoses. If anything looks worn or frayed, take it to a mechanic and have them checked out.

Lights

Inspect all lights and replace burned out bulbs. Also, periodically clean dirt and splattered bugs from the lenses using a soft rag and glass cleaner.

Windshield Wipers

If your old blades are leaving streaks behind when it rains, it’s time for a new pair. Do so before it gets hot, and remember to also top off your wiper fluid.

Your Summertime Cure for Road Trip Damage

Even when keeping your vehicle well maintained, car accidents happen. Flying rock chips, the sun’s UV rays, hailstorms and construction zones can also take a toll on your car’s paint job. When you need some summer repairs, promptly take you vehicle to a nationwide auto body shop featured in the Carwise referral network. I-CAR and ASE-certified technicians there have the experience, equipment and know-how to restore your ride like new again promptly and reliably.

Search your zip code now for a customer-reviewed auto body or glass repair shop nearby: www.carwise.com.