4 Tips for Taking Care of Your Car in the Summer

The onset of summer is a good time to make sure your vehicle is in good working order, especially if you will be going on a road trip. Taking a few simple precautions will keep your family safe as well as save you money in the long run.

Check Your Tires

Check your tires regularly and keep them inflated to the levels recommended by the owner’s manual. Under-inflated tires can cause a blowout, while over-inflated tires make hydroplaning a possibility in wet weather. Also, make sure the tires are not worn.

Keep Fluids Replenished

Hot weather is hard on cooling systems, and being in stand-still traffic on a hot day will overheat your vehicle quickly. If coolant levels are low, the engine’s temperature will rise. Make sure that coolant levels are normal, and top off as necessary.

Change Air Filter

The air filter can become clogged with salt and other debris after winter, and this can decrease your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Replacing the filter can improve your mileage by up to 10 percent.

Park Under Shelter

Keep your car away from the sun when you are not driving, as the sun’s heat can cause damage to your paint job and interior. Park in your garage, or a shaded area as much as possible. Waxing your vehicle regularly with a polish that has UV protection reduces sun damage. Invest in a sunshade to block the sun from coming through the windshield.

Following these tips will help prolong the life of your vehicle, and keep you safe while on the road.