Get Your Car Summer Ready

Car care tips for safe driving in seasonal weather.

Before you head to the beach this summer or settle in for a leisurely drive to soak up that fresh air, your car may need some seasonal freshening.

Regular car care helps ensure that your vehicle looks and runs its best, and timing your car care to the seasons can help keep all of your equipment in top condition to protect your safety in all weather conditions.

One of the most common threats in summer is stormy weather, which can affect your visibility and traction. Ensure you and your car are well-protected and ready for summer with this car care checklist.

Keep your view safe and clear.

Keeping your windshield clear is an obvious necessity for everyday visibility, but the quality of your wiper blades is even more important in inclement weather. Old or damaged blades may not be up to the task of keeping your line of sight clear during a heavy downpour. When it comes to choosing new blades, give careful attention to performance.

Give your car a checkup.

An all-over maintenance checkup is a good starting point to get a pulse on your car’s condition. A multi-point inspection can help alert you to signs of wear or damage on parts, such as your belts, which can weaken as a result of cold winter weather, and your brakes, which are obviously critical for safe driving.

Your engine relies on clean oil for smooth operation, so if it’s time for a change (usually every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, depending on manufacturer recommendations), you can schedule a change to coincide with your service appointment.

Traditional metal wiper blades, installed on many new cars, have exposed suspension components that can become damaged with exposure to extreme weather. Newer vehicles may include beam blades, with a pre-sprung steel beam designed specifically for that vehicle. However, many replacement beam blade designs are compromised to fit a large array of vehicle models and do not properly adapt to the varying curvature of windshields. This results in reduced wrap and contact pressure on the windshield, as well as poor wiping performance.

A better option is hybrid blades, such as Michelin Stealth Hybrid wiper blades, which feature an exclusive Smart Flex technology that automatically adjusts wiper blade contact pressure across the curvature of the windshield for improved wiping performance. Engineered for durable wiping in extreme weather conditions, the wiper frame and suspension system are completely covered to protect the blades from weather-related damage. The Michelin EZ-Lok Connector System allows for a quick and simple blade replacement. Learn more at MichelinWipers.com

If your vehicle has a rear wiper, remember to replace it, too.

Show your shine.

Sound operations aside, you’ll get more enjoyment out of your car when it looks as great as it runs. A thorough cleaning of the exterior helps whisk away any accumulated dirt or mold.

Protect and preserve your vehicle with products such as Barrett-Jackson Auto Care’s full line of interior and exterior products. Liquid Wax, a signature product in the line, is specially designed with Carnauba wax to achieve a long-lasting, deep shine with no powdery residue. Barrett-Jackson Wash

& Wax saves time by lifting away dirt and enhancing shine in one step, while the rapid detailer is great for those in-between touchups. For an all-over shine to complete the freshly cleaned look, Tire Shine is a quick, no-hassle way to maintain sleek, wet-look tires. Make sure to select a tire shine that will not sling off on your car when driving. Find more information about these and other products designed to keep your car looking flawless at barrett-jacksonautocare.com

Once the exterior is complete, turn your attention inside. Pick up any trash or debris, vacuum and wipe down all interior surfaces. A moisturizing treatment will help clean and condition leather, preventing it from drying out and cracking. Also, give interior glass a wipe down for the clearest visibility possible, and be sure to pick an interior protectant that doesn’t leave behind a greasy residue to help renew and protect all interior surfaces, including plastic, vinyl, rubber and trim.

Check your traction.

Your tires are another of your car’s essential safety features. Excess or uneven tire wear can be extremely dangerous in wet and slick road conditions. If your tires can’t get adequate traction, you may find yourself hydroplaning or losing control. What’s more, tires are an expensive investment, so before embarking on your next road trip, make sure they are properly inflated, balanced and rotated. This can help you get the most mileage out of your tires before needing to replace them.

Slick Tips for Driving on Wet Roads

› Ensure your tires have a safe margin of tread.

› Replace any bulbs, especially for brake lights, immediately.

› Be sure your headlights are clean for optimal road visibility.

› Always use signals to alert other drivers of lane changes and turns.

› Slow your speed before turning, and avoid braking while making the turn.

› Avoid abrupt steering changes.

› Increase your following distance to allow longer stopping time for a sudden brake.

› If you hydroplane, do not attempt to accelerate your way out or brake. Release pressure on the gas pedal, and steer your way to safety.

› Never attempt to enter or cross a roadway covered in water.