Top 7 Summer Maintenance Tips You Can Do Yourself

By Thomas R. Buff

I do not have to tell you that the warm weather is finally here and the summer driving season has begun. Car care doesn’t take a vacation between Memorial Day and Labor Day, but this is the time we normally do. The warmer months can actually present some unique challenges to the maintenance needs of our vehicles, especially with the rising cost of gasoline. So as summer season begins so does the time for vacations, ice cream trips and long rides. However, hot weather can take its toll on our vehicles. Never the less, it is no secret that many automobiles are sadly neglected these days. Repairs are inevitable and become necessary sooner and more frequently when maintenance is neglected. The Car Care Council estimates that more than $62 billion in vehicle maintenance and repair that should be performed every year is neglected, evidence that there is considerably more that consumers should be doing to protect their automotive investment. By being proactive and performing a few basic maintenance checks on your own vehicle can keep your auto running throughout the warm summer months. So here are the top 7 maintenance checks you can do on your own.

Fluid Levels – Check the oil, coolant, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluids. If a fluid is low look for leaks, low fluid levels are often the cause of major problems due to the fact that they are often overlooked. A low coolant level can cause overheating and engine failure. Remember, never remove or open the radiator cap on a hot engine, wait until the engine has cooled down. Low brake fluid can cause brake failure and a low oil level can cause severe damage to the engine of your car as well. Scheduling an oil change at the beginning of the summer season is a good idea. Remember, oil is not only a lubricant but also acts to cool the vital engine parts.

Tire Inflation Pressure- All tires should be inflated according to the manufactures recommended pressure. Most accidents involving tire blowouts are due to improper air pressure. To find out where the right pressure is you can look for the decal on the inside of the driver’s side door or also in your owners’ manual. Remember, a properly inflated tire will also save you gas!

Battery – Believe it or not, batteries normally fail in the summer months due to the hot weather. Check the age of the battery and if it is older than 5 years it is probably a good time to replace it. Also clean all the corrosion off of the battery terminals.

Belts And Hoses – Weather can wreak havoc on your belts and hoses. Check the condition of your coolant hoses by squeezing them to feel for soft spots which indicate a worn-out hose. By twisting the belt or belts you may see any signs of cracks, distortions, worn spots or failure. Summer is not the time to be stranded on the highway because of a busted radiator hose or a torn belt.

Brakes – The braking system is obviously an important part of maintenance but is one of the most neglected. Most motorists can handle the task of checking brake lining and brake fluid with common hand tools. Otherwise, have the brakes system checked at a qualified repair shop. This is especially true if you are planning on traveling this summer.

Windshield wiper blades – Powerful summer storms can dump a lot of water and make visibility near zero. The extreme temperature changes from the winter season wreak havoc on the wiper blades by causing cracks and tears that can lower the effectiveness of the wipers. If your wipers are leaving visible streaks or take several passes to clear away light rain, they need to be replaced.

Air Conditioning- If you plan on spending some travelling time in your vehicles then now is the time to check you’re A/C system. You most likely have not needed to use it in many months. Small leaks can develop over the winter months. Have a qualified technician repair you’re A/C if it is not blowing cold air.

Remember that it is important to maintain your automobile. The items mentioned are just a small part of what should be a thorough maintenance schedule for your automobile. Keeping your car safe, reliable and fuel efficient through proper maintenance will ensure an enjoyable summer driving season. Stay healthy and safe! Happy Motoring!