With the summer months approaching, people are planning their road trips. But before you begin your drive up the Pacific Coast Highway, you might want to check with a mechanic Santa Monica to make sure your car is in good shape. Beware of these common car problems: Overheating •
A low fluid level or deficient cooling system are the two most common sources of an overheated vehicle. Have you ever noticed that your car tends to overheat during the summer? That is because the hot months cause your car’s cooling system to work harder to prevent the engine ironically from overheating. If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of driving an overheated vehicle, turn off the air conditioner and turn on the heater. Although having hot air blasted toward you in the middle of summer sounds agonizing, it will effectively remove heat from the engine allowing it to cool. This step should work long enough to get you to safety. You can take preventative measures to avoid being stuck on the side of the road with a steaming hood. Don’t wait for your dashboard to notify you about low fluids; instead, check your car’s fluids (brake fluids, transmission fluids, oil) regularly.
Dead Battery •
There is nothing more panic-inducing than your car being unable to start. Unlike an oil change, your car will not signal that the battery is failing. To make matters worse, the summer months are the worst for your car’s battery. Fortunately, the plastic pieces surrounding the battery are engineered to keep it cool, so if you have all of those pieces, you’re in good shape. Keep in mind that the main function of the battery is to start your car, so if your car will not start, you should check the battery. Some auto repair shops like Auto Zone conveniently provide free battery testers should you not have one on hand. Failure to maintain your battery can cause other problems, mainly relating to your cars generator that is more expensive to repair. The sooner you address any battery problems, the better. Prevent battery failure by visiting your mechanic every three years to replace the battery.
Flat Tire •
Flat tires are among the most prevalent of car failures. The cause of a flat tire is simple: overinflation from increased air pressure combined with wear and tear. Technology that monitors the tire pressure of newer vehicles is available; however, most car computers cannot identify this problem. Luckily, a tire gauge that you can find at most service stations will tell you if you need to increase or decrease the air in your tires.
Before you embark on an interstate adventure, be sure to visit your mechanic Santa Monica.