How to Prepare Your Car for Summer

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR CAR Summer FOR Step 0 RADIATOR CHECKUP Overheating engines are one of the biggest causes of summer breakdowns. Intense summer heat can strain your cooling system, so check that your radiator and hoses aren't damaged. Make sure that air flow around your radiator is not blocked by dirt or debris, and that the radiator cap isn't damaged - make sure your engine is cool before doing so. Step 2 KEEP YOUR ENGINE COOL After cleaning your radiator, make sure that it has the pr amount of coolant, with the resevoir half-full. Radiator coolant should be COOLANT flushed and changed approximately every two years. Ensure that you keep a 50/50 mix between coolant and distilled water. Step 3 CHECK YOUR BATTERY Battery fluid can evaporate in the summer heat and internal parts can become damaged. Check that the water level in each of the battery's cells comes up to just below the cell's inspection hole. If levels are low, carefully add more distilled water. Clean off the battery, as dirt can be a conductor and drain power. Pay attention to the terminals, as dirt or corrosion can weaken the power going into your car. BATTERY Step @ INSPECT YOUR TIRES Changes in temperature cause changes in your tire's internal pressure, so now is the time to give your tires a checkup. If you still have winter tires on, switch to summer or all- season tires. Make sure your tires aren't cracked and have good tread, as hot summer asphalt can worsen these conditions. Step 5 IS YOUR AC RUNNING? If your air condtioner seems weak, clean and inspect you condenser. If dirt or bugs are preventing airflow, that could be the cause. Check the belt inside the compressor. If your AC is still weak, you may be low on Freon and will need to refill. It's often a good idea to have a mechanic do this, as levels must be precise. Step 6 WASH & WAX The harsh summer sun can cause your paint to fade or peel. Paint damage is more than cosmetic. Since paint acts as a protective layer sheilding the aluminum body from the elements, losing it will cause problems down the road. Help protect your paint by cleaning and waxing your car. Step 7 CHANGE YOUR OIL Finish off your car's summer checkup with an oil change, which you should get every 3,000 miles. If your car experiences particularly strenuous driving conditions, then you may want to change your oil more often. 5W-30 MORE SUMMER DRIVING TIPS SS Keep an eye on the temperature gauge. Even after taking all the precautions, your engine can still overheat. If you see the engine getting too hot, you can take immediate action by turning on the heat-this pulls hot air off the engine block. 5W-30 COOLANT Be fuel-conscious. Gas is typically more expensive Keep extra coolant and oil in your trunk in case you end up running low on the road. over the summer. Save fuel by accelerating more slowly and keeping highway speeds to about 60 mph. Sources: http://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/summerize-car.php https://www.ase.com/News-Events/Publications/Glove-Box-Tips/Getting-Your- Vehicle-Ready-For-Summer.aspx BROUGHT TO YOU BY: http://www.bankrate.com/finance/auto/6-ways-to-prep-your-car-for-summer- driving-1.aspx http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/o/article-summer-vehicle-maintenance- checklist selfstorage.com http://www.haversservice.com/ Secrets/7SecretstoPrepareYourCarforSummerFun.aspx