Protecting your car is a year round job; you go the extra mile to avoid potholes, drive safely on the roads, and yet, summer weather presents its own set of harsh obstacles for you and your vehicle. Summertime is the best time for traveling, but the long drives and extreme heat are rough on your vehicle and any unexpected repairs can really put a dent in your travel budget.
Plan ahead before heading out on the open road with these useful tips to overcome common car problems, save gas, and avoid a potentially ruined road trip.
Check your fluids.
Air Conditioning
Living in Southern California, the first thing you think of when the temperatures start rising is turning up the A/C. If you feel the air is not as cool as it once was, have a professional check for any leaks or if it needs to be recharged.
Engine Coolant & Water
This fluid is critical to keeping your engine cool and working effectively. Topping off the radiator to the proper levels with a mixture of coolant and water (tap or distilled), will help you to avoid overheating while on your way to the beach. When checking your fluid levels it is important that you do not open your radiator cap while the engine is hot, because this can result in serious burns from the release a high pressure mix of antifreeze and hot stream.
Oil & Filter
Most technicians recommend an oil change every 3,000 miles and some manuals recommend 7,500 miles, refer to your owner's manual for guidance. Oil should appear a brownish yellow and clean, if it is a dark color or you notice dirt and grime in it then it is time for an oil change.
Wipers & Fluid
The last thing on your mind is checking your vehicles wipers and fluid until the moment when your road trip meets with an very unlucky bug. Having wipers in good condition is essential if you encounter dust or any unexpected downpours that may affect your view of the road.
Hoses & Belts
Problems with belts and hose are the second biggest reason for breakdowns according to AAA. Check for cracks, splits or loose connections, a minor leaking hose can end up causing major problems later.
Inspect your brakes.
Besides the noise from the kids in the backseat, if you notice any noise coming from your brakes, if you notice them grabbing, grinding, or if it takes longer to stop, have a professional inspect your brakes. It is worth the extra effort to keep you and your passengers safe and it can also help save cash by catching minor problems early on before the damage gets expensive or dangerous.
Don't get stuck on the side of the road.
During summer months, tire blowouts occur more frequently due to the combination of added drivers on the road and heat which can weaken your tires, if not maintained properly. Check your tires for leaks, bulging, or punctures and get them repaired before heading out on the road. Keep an eye out for any uneven wear patterns on your tire's tread and make sure all your tires are inflated to recommended levels, including the spare in case of emergencies. Over or under-inflated tires can put you at risk for a flat or worse, a tire blowout. Use a tire gauge to check your tire pressure, which can typically lose 1 psi per month. Compare your results to the recommended manufacturer settings which is often located on the driver's door jamb placard. If you maintain proper tire pressure and use cruise control on the highway it can boost and further improve your fuel economy.
Check your battery.
Old batteries lose power after a while and built up corrosion on battery posts can affect the flow of the current which can result in a dead vehicle. Since a car battery produces electricity by chemical reaction, in cases of extreme heat it can cause it to overcharge and shorten the life of your battery or completely burnout.
Look good on the road.
Save the dish detergent for the dishes because while the dirt and grime may come off, you might do more damage, as it may strip off the protective wax, dulls paint, and speeds up oxidation. While it may seem like a better value, the costs of re-oxidizing your vehicle makes using car washing products more cost effective.
For the interiors of your vehicle using a sun shade can prevent sun damage, it also helps decrease the temperature in your vehicle which can easily reach upwards of 140 degrees, according to AAA and help you to stay out of the hot seat, literally. Also a cooler car will allow the car to cool faster, reducing the use of the AC on high and help reduce costs.
Be prepared.
Even with proper maintenance some breakdowns are hard to avoid.
If your vehicle happens to overheat:
- Turn off the air conditioner.
- Turn on the heater and open the windows to vent out the hot air.
- Watch the gauge. If it does not drop down, find a safe location to pull over and turn off the engine to prevent further damage. Flip the key back into the ignition mode to allow the fan and blower to temporarily continue to cool down the engine.
Keep these items handy in case of emergencies:
- A Flashlight
- A Quart of Oil
- Jumper cables
- A Basic Tool kit
- Water
- A First Aid Kit
Schedule your service online.
Let our factory trained technicians help you inspect and prepare for the road trip season. Our Service department's top priority is keeping your vehicle driving safely and making sure you have everything you need while providing you with excellent customer service.Take advantage of our complimentary inspections with any oil change or service at any of our San Bernardino, Riverside, and Moreno Valley locations. Our Parts Department has a wide selection of inventory and stocks up on all the summertime essentials like belts, hoses, and any other genuine manufacturer parts and accessories you may need.
A simple check up can prevent you from being stranded on the side of the road and can save you money with our part and service deals. Spend more time enjoying your vacation and have peace of mind about being safer on the road during your trip.