7 Summer Car Care Tips for Safe Travel

August is typically one of the hottest summer months. It’s a great time to hit the beach or the cool air of the mountains.

Since your car can’t sit inside air conditioning or take a swim in a pool to cool off, it’s important to know how to lessen the stress of summer heat. So, what can you do to prepare your vehicle?

Besides getting your vehicle regularly serviced, we’ve got 7 practical tips to keep you and your car safe on the road.

Coolant System

A well-functioning coolant system is critical to its overall summer health. Check the coolant level periodically, but also, take it a step further and inspect the hoses and coolant reservoir.

You want to keep an eye out for leaks. Check the joints and connection points. Be sure to squeeze the hoses every now and then to be sure they feel firm, not unusually squishy or soft. Obviously, do this when the car has cooled off!

Windshield Wipers

Summer weather means rain. Worn wipers create water streaks across the windshield, which can impair driving. Check and replace as needed.

Engine Belts

There is a serpentine belt that runs between the fan, alternator, and other components. That engine belt can become loose, start to squeal, or worse, break for no apparent reason.

Check engine belts to make sure they have the right amount of tension. If you see cracks or small pieces missing, it’s replacement time!

Air Conditioning

A summer essential, if your AC isn’t working properly, nobody’s happy. Same is true for your car, truck, or SUV. Older air conditioning systems can leak freon, so look for tell tail signs of freon where it shouldn’t be.

If you see ice on the compressor, that too, could point to low freon levels. It’s usually caused by moisture. Another sign of a faulty air conditioning unit is a clutch that won’t engage.

Normally, when you turn on the AC, you should hear the clutch engage. If that doesn’t happen, the unit probably needs freon.

The good news is there are plenty of leak sealing products on the market as well as refrigerant rechargers. You’ll find them at Wal-Mart and hobbyist stores.

Air Filter

Now is a good time to give your air filter a good cleaning or replace it. Modern cars now also have cabin filtration systems and pollen filters. Be sure to check those, too.

Tires

Tire pressure should be checked year round for overall driving comfort, good performance, maintaining good gas mileage, and even tire wear.

Check for stray nails, stones, cracks, and uneven wear. And, of course, plenty of depth on the tread! Since summer is vacation time, it’s not a bad idea to carry a can of Fix-A-Flat, too.

Don’t Forget These Essential Fluids

Oil, power steering, brake, and windshield washer fluids. These all contribute to car’s overall health all year.

If brakes are lacking in bite or feel spongy, it may be time to get new pads. A system bleed may be in order, too. For this kind of maintenance, turn to Joe Bowman Auto Plaza’s service department.

Our technicians have all been certified by Chevrolet. They know how to work on all kinds of vehicles.

While not a necessity for a smooth running vehicle, keeping your vehicle clean is a mental lift. Get rid of built up grime and dirt. A good exterior cleaning preserves the paint as well as damage from insects and birds.

Last but certainly not least, preserve the interior of your car with a dashboard sunshade. That will help your vehicle stay a little cooler and keep the sun from beating down on the dashboard. Open the sun roof and crack the windows, too!

If you’re looking for exceptional car care, consider the service department at our Harrisonburg dealership. You can rely on our Chevy certified technicians. They are trained to know every inch of your vehicle, whether it’s a Chevy or not! Stop in today.

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