Seasonal driving tips — Summer
Summer vehicle maintenance
| Driving
on wet roads | Driving
on icy or snowy roads | Winterizing
your vehicle
It's always a good idea to attend year-round
to your vehicle's basic maintenance. You know, check the oil, top
up the tire pressure, and so on.
In the summer, however, you should take
care of some extra maintenance items. You're likely going to be
doing some road trips. Some days will get hot. Here's how you can
prepare your vehicle for the rigors of the season:
- Before a long journey, get a tune up.
Do more than standard oil, air and fuel filter changes. This can
prevent costly repairs. Inspect all belts and hoses for cracks
and wear.
- Get a grease job. If your service shop
offers a free safety check or inspection, take it. It is always
good to know how much life is left in your brake pads or shoes.
- Wash the undercarriage of your car.
- Test the engine coolant. If necessary,
change it. A system pressure test can help show any potential
leaks before you haul a heavy load of passengers and gear. Check
your driveway, garage, or parking place for telltale spots of
green fluid.
- Check the air conditioning system.
- If you drove over rough terrain last
winter, get a wheel alignment. This will minimize the wear on
your tires.
- Remove your winter tires. Store them
in a cool, dry place.
- Check the condition of your spare tire.
- For longer road trips, carry items such
as windshield washer fluid, water and a first aid kit.
