17 Car Care Tips for Summer

Flowers are blooming and the days are getting longer. That means it’s time for clear roads and summer road-trips! The salt, ice, and cold winter temperatures may have roughed up your vehicle, and a proper inspection can help you confidently cruise all summer long. But where to start? Maybe on the fast food wrappers piling up in the back? Or maybe follow our 17 car care tips for summer to help your vehicle run at peak performance in the summer heat.

1.     Wash Your Vehicle

Salt residue can cause rust; so as soon as the weather is above 33 degrees, wash your car. Everything from your brake lines to your engine is assaulted by the wintery mix of salt, ice, water, sand, and filth. Washing your car after winter can prevent underbody rust and help extend your vehicles life.

2.     Wax Your Vehicle

Waxing provides an extra layer of protection, helping prevent scratches and sun damage. Wax also makes it easier to clean your car when it comes in contact with dust, pollen, bird droppings, bug splatter, or other summer-related eyesores. Waxing also protects your car’s paint job from sun damage.

3.     Inspect and Replace Windshield Wiper Blades

Friction from snow and ice can damage your windshield wiper blades. Replace your windshield wiper blades after winter to improve performance during rain storms or other inclement weather. Consult your owner’s manual for the appropriate windshield wiper size.

4.     Check the Air Conditioner

Summer can get pretty hot in some areas. A properly working air conditioner will make driving more comfortable. Remove and replace your air filter to prevent dirt and dust from clogging the system and impeding proper air flow. Clean the outdoor condenser plus the condenser coils. Check that debris isn’t clogging the drain line. If the line is clogged, you’ll see water pooling around the bottom. If you’re not having any luck, contact a specialist to get your air conditioner functioning properly.

5.     Check the Cooling System

Check the radiator fluid levels regularly. Make sure the reserve tank or overflow tank are where they should be. Drain and flush the radiator, cleaning out dirt and contaminants built up in your vehicle’s radiator cooling system. Flushing pushes a high volume of water or other cleaning liquid through your car’s radiator, to remove unwanted debris. Check to make sure that radiator caps and hoses are secure and periodically check the radiator tank.

6.     Inspect Coolant Levels & Condition

Examine the coolant in the reservoir, checking both the level and the condition. Coolant is usually colored, so if it looks rusty, discolored, or has something floating in it, flush the cooling system and add new coolant. Having plenty of clean coolant prevents your engine from overheating in summer.

7.     Change the Oil

An oil change helps your engine combat the increased summer temperatures. Consider switching to full synthetic oil if you haven’t already. Full synthetic oil is less likely to breakdown at high temperatures.

8.     Inspect Overall Engine Performance

Inspect the PCV, fuel, and air filter, and consider changing if you didn’t while inspecting the air conditioner. Dirty PCV, fuel, and air filters reduce engine performance by dragging dirt and residue into your car’s engine. Monitor how the engine is running when you drive the vehicle. If your vehicle is accelerating slowly or is unresponsive, flush the engine to remove any dirt and grime. Also, check that your check engine light isn’t on. If it is, bring your vehicle to a mechanic to find out what is causing the issue.

9.     Clean and Test All Lights

Inspect that head and taillights are clean and shining bright. Salt and winter residue may cloud headlights. If so, clean head and taillights with a headlight cleaning product. You may even clean your headlights with toothpaste! Inspect that all lights are functioning, including license plate lamps. Having a light burnt out can make you less visible to other motorists.

10.     Examine Tire Tread

Try the penny test to ensure your tires have proper tread depth. Insert a penny into your tire’s tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, the tire’s tread is worn down too far. You may need new tires.

Rotating your tires can help evenly distribute wear and tear. Tire rotations are recommended every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. Check that the tire pressure is at the recommended level. Look in your owner’s manual or on the tires for appropriate tire pressure.

11.     Inspect the Brake Pads

Listen for a screeching, metallic sound when you step on the brakes. This sound signifies brake pads that are worn too thin. If you hear nothing but still feel some grinding when you push the brake pedal, your pads are too thin. If you experience either issue, replace the brake pads before they cause a rotor problem, creating a much more expensive issue.

12.     Inspect Brake Fluid

Degradation of brake fluid causes reduced braking performance or even total brake failure. The brake fluid reservoir is often near the base of your car’s windshield. The fluid should be clean and near the full mark. Inspect the level and condition of your brake fluid as well. If you’re running low on brake fluid or the brake fluid is black rather than brown, replace.

13.     Inspect and Clean the Battery

Battery acid deposits may form on the battery terminals. To combat buildup, you can create a battery cleaning solution with baking soda and water. Remove the cables from the battery and brush the baking soda solution on the terminals. Find a brush and scrub the terminals until dirt-free.

Also, check the battery casing for any cracks and inspect for frayed cables. If your battery is four years old or older, it is recommended you get it tested. Consider keeping a booster pack or jumper cables in your vehicle in case the battery dies.

14.     Stock up on Emergency Provisions

Emergencies do occur, and NAPA recommends stocking your vehicle with these 19 emergency provisions:

• Clear plastic bin – keeps everything on this list dry and orderly
• Water –may also be used to cool off your radiator if it is overheating
• Phone Charger
• Snacks
• Sunscreen
• Reflective Blanket- may be used for shade, or to signal to passersby’s if stranded
• Visibility Equipment – equipment such as a bright vest or bright cones to catch the attention of other drivers
• First-Aid Kit
• Flashlight or Headlamp
• Pocket Knife/Multi-tool
• Jumper Cables
• Tire sealant – handy if your tire can’t remain inflated
• Tire Pressure Gauge
• Tow Strap – in case towing is necessary
• Fuses – handy if fuses for lights or electronics burn out
• Tool Kit – have a socket wrench, and screwdrivers with flathead and Philips heads
• Duct Tape
• Rag
• Gloves

15.     Check Power Steering Fluid Levels

Low steering fluid may cause difficulty steering a vehicle and the power steering pump to fail. Your owner’s manual will have specifics on inspecting power steering fluid levels. If fluid is low or dark brown, have power steering fluid replaced.

16.     Inspect Belts and Hoses

Cold temperatures may cause your belts to contract. Likewise, warm weather may cause your belts to expand, causing fraying or damage. Inspect all belts and hoses for cracks or frays. Check that belts are securely attached, tight, and properly aligned. Especially check the coolant hose. They are prone to failure due to high temperatures and heavy pressure on hot days.

17.     Add Fuel-Line Cleaner

Adding a fuel cleaner when you fill up your vehicle with gasoline helps keep your fuel line stable and free from deposits. It is recommended you add one bottle of fuel line cleaner every 3000 miles to maintain peak engine performance, fuel economy, and prevent hard starts.

Car Care Tips to Enjoy Your Summer!

Whether you’re planning a road trip or just looking to extend your vehicles life, these 17 car care tips for summer are just what the mechanic ordered. After proper inspection, you are minimizing risk from poor maintenance so that you can enjoy cruising under the sunny sky all summer long.

If you encounter unrepairable issues with your vehicle while going through our car care tips, take a look at our eBay store. It’s full of vehicles that can get you back on the road in no time. Each vehicle comes with a full inspection report by certified mechanics.