Everyone knows that you need to prepare your car for the winter, but not many people think about the way that the summer affects their vehicle. Sweltering temperatures can do a number on your engine and your interior, so it’s important that you take the proper steps to ensure that your car functions at top performance all summer long.
- Give your cooling system a checkup
The last thing anyone wants is to have their car overheat in the middle of a long drive through the countryside. Your car’s cooling system is critical for engine protection. In the summer, the coolant in your car can reach as high as 250 degrees, which is when overheating happens. Pay attention to the temperature of your coolant, and have the radiator and hoses checked if you find that your car is consistently overheating. If your car is overheating, pull over immediately and allow your engine time to cool down. Overheating can cause permanent damage to your vehicle.
- Inspect your air conditioner
Test out your air conditioning system. If you find that your car isn’t cooling down properly, or that even on full blast you’re still not getting much air, get it checked before a real heat wave hits. Driving in a hot car can be dangerous, especially if you have young children or pets. If your air conditioning is on the fritz, first check for debris. A car air conditioning system looks a lot like a radiator, and it may just need to be dusted off.
- Change over to summer tires
Changing over from winter to summer tires will allow your automobile to function more efficiently and provide you with a safer drive. This will save you money over the summer season, and could get you a discount on your insurance.
- Get a screen to save your interior
Leaving your car baking in the sun is a nightmare for leather interiors. A super simple and inexpensive solution is to purchase a car screen shade. A car screen shade covers your entire dashboard and protects the interior of your car from sun damage. It also prevents the inside of your car and your steering wheel from getting scorching hot, making it much easier to cool down.
- Inspect your trailer
Summer is the perfect time to go camping, or take the boat out to the lake. Make sure that your trailer can pull the weight of any items you attach to it; you can find this out in the owner’s manual of your vehicle. Don’t forget to check your hitch to make sure that it isn’t loose or wobbly to ensure a smooth drive.
Making sure that your car is ready for summer is the best way to avoid vacation-ruining headaches like mechanical issues or automobile accidents. It’s also a great way to save money on your insurance. Talk to your insurance provider to see which summer changes would affect your premiums. If your premiums remain the same, you should compare insurance prices to see if you can get a lower price elsewhere.
