As we enjoy summer and the sunscreen, swimsuits, and barbecue grills come out, we should all prepare our cars for the heat. Many car components are necessary to keep you and your vehicle protected from hot weather and dusty air. The summer climate can also affect an ill-prepared car in various harmful ways. Here are a few essential summer car maintenance servicing jobs to schedule this summer.
What Summer Car Maintenance Should I Schedule?
Check Your Radiator and Coolant
The greatest threat to any car engine is overheating, and more engines overheat during summer than any other time of year. Your car’s cooling system is the primary defense against this risk, so as summer comes on, have a technician check the condition of your cooling system’s radiator, thermostat, water pump, hoses, fans, and condenser.
The coolant that flows through your engine will also need to be in tip-top condition. As coolant typically only needs to be completely flushed every three or four years, you may not need a flush this summer, but at least check that your coolant is in good condition, free of leaks and rust, and fully topped up.
Replace Your Motor Oil and Filter
Motor oil also helps combat overheating by keeping all the engine’s components well-lubricated and friction-free. The oil filter helps maintain the condition of the oil and engine by cleaning out contaminants that would otherwise slowly degrade the oil and reduce its ability to function. Always have your oil refreshed and your oil filter cleaned or replaced as summer approaches.
Rotate and Check Your Tires
Correct tire pressure is essential for safe driving, as even a little over or under-inflation can rapidly lead to overheating and blowouts. As the temperatures rise throughout spring and summer, the air pressure inside your tires will also rise: by one pound per square inch (PSI) for every five-degree Fahrenheit of increase.
So, take care to diligently check your tire pressure at least once per month as you move into summer. Also, have a technician check that your tires are in good condition. You may need to swap out winter tires, which are poorly suited to hot summer tarmac.
Replace Your Air Filter
The air filter keeps fresh oxygen flowing into your engine while also keeping dust, dirt, and other contaminants out. As the dustier, insect-filled months of summer arrive, your air filter will have its work cut out for it, so it needs to be in good condition.
Come Book Your Summer Car Maintenance in Frederick, MD Today
Have your car fully serviced and prepared for summer at DARCARS Toyota of Frederick. Click here to schedule! We have an impressive range of new Toyota vehicles and used cars to browse and a top-notch auto service center staffed with courteous, well-trained technicians.
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