Tips To Keeping Your Car Maintained This Summer

By on July 8, 2019 0 916Views

The heat has cranked up in Arizona and it is important that you keep yourself and your car safe during the summer season.

High temperatures can lead to serious problems if your car or truck is not maintained. Here are five tips to help your vehicle be ready for summer.

Check your tire pressure
Hot pavement and poor tire pressure can cause premature wear and blowouts. This is because tires without the proper tires pressure have more contact with the road; this leads to increase friction. You should always check the pressure in your tires before you hit the road, and make sure you look for “low tire pressure warnings.” Your vehicle’s user manual will list the correct pressure level for your tires.

Monitor your car’s fluid levels
We need water to avoid being dehydrated, and your vehicle needs oil, transmission, power-steering, and brake fluids. They are cooling agents and divert heat away from the vehicle’s engine and transmission. Make sure these compartments are filled because they can evaporate quickly in hot weather.

Check your battery
Summer heat coupled with your car’s vibration can drain your battery. It’s vital to make sure the battery is attached properly to prevent vibration. It’s also important to clean the surrounding terminals and cable clamps. If your battery is over three years old, you should have it checked by an auto technician. Most car batteries do not last more than three years in extreme heat.

Get a coolant flush
Coolant is important to keep your vehicle from overheating. A coolant flush should be performed every 30,000 miles. It’s also important to replace belts and hoses every 36,000-50,000 miles; the exact number of miles is dependent in your vehicle’s make and model.

Always have a safety kit handy
Even if you maintain your vehicle properly, accidents can happen; you could encounter road debris, sudden changes in weather, and distracted drivers. It’s important to always be prepared with a safety kit with essential supplies. In your kit you should include: bottled water, jumper cables, a flashlight with extra batteries, flares or a reflective triangle, a first aid kit, a phone charger, walking shoes, socks, and nonperishable food items. If you have an infant or small child, you should include formula and diapers.