Okay, so winter is officially over, and you?d be forgiven for thinking no car preparations are required for the months laying ahead. You?d be wrong however. Although winter requires more extensive car preparation due to the colder weather, snow and ice, all taking their toll on the vehicle, summer can be just as demanding especially if you live in a hotter climate. So, what can you do and where to start. Worry not, we have the five best tips for getting your car ready for summer. Follow them and you won?t have any issues for the following summer season.
- Tires
Remember how we said winter tires are an absolute must when driving in winter? Well, not only are they not necessary in summer, they can actually decrease performance. The thread on winter tires is not mean to last long on dry, hot summer roads, so you end up wearing them out faster while simultaneously getting less actual performance due to the thread on the tires. Remove them and install a set of summer or all-season tires. Remember to check the tire pressure as well. It can play a massive role in how the car drives and handles.
- Check the A/C
In the last couple of years A/C became more of a necessity rather than a luxury. As summers get hotter and hotter year in and year out, the possibility of suffering heat-affected sicknesses in your car is extremely high during summer. Run the A/C system to see if it still blows cold air. If it doesn?t or you notice strange noises, it may be time to fill it up with refrigerant or get it checked out at your mechanic.
- Wiper fluid and blades
Visibility is perhaps the most important thing when operating a motor vehicle. It makes sense, right? If you can?t see where you?re going, it?s a problem for you and all road users. The wiper blades and wiper fluid get used more often during winter than summer, as the roads are wetter and you get more mud and debris on your windshield. Inspect the wiper blades and replace them if they can?t do their job of cleaning the windshield effectively anymore. Likewise, check the wiper fluid reservoir and top it off if necessary.
- Engine bay inspection
This goes without saying, but you have to take care of usual car maintenance as well. Check the battery in case it?s gone flat if you?ve been storing your car during winter, make sure the right type of oil intended for summer is in the engine and get a coolant reservoir reading, topping it off if it needs to be filled up.
- Wash and wax
Road salt and grime from all of the melted snow and ice during summer is especially hard on a car?s paint and clear coat, so make sure you give it a good wash and waxing once the weather turns nicer. It won?t just look better, but be more protected for the following months and even the next winter.
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