Finally, you and your family are about to embark on a summer road trip that has been planned out for months. Yes, the all-American dream. But before you take this road trip, you need to make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape.
Luckily, Master Tech Automotive Service has taken time out to offer six summer car maintenance tips that you can use to make sure your car is ready for the road.
Not only is you car an investment, it’s also your family means of transportation. So don’t neglect your car and put yourself in a pickle during your summer road trip. You can’t afford to have anything car related ruin the trip or your car. So take care of it and have some fun this summer.
With that let’s take a look at the six summer car maintenance tips that will help assure safe travels:
The Six Summer Car Maintenance Tips
1. Tire Air Pressure
Surprisingly, tires need more attention than any other part of the car. You car’s tire pressure affects the threading, handling, fuel usage and stopping power. You should always keep proper air pressure on your tires, which is on the front driver side door panel. These specs tell you the required PSI for your tires.
Also, make sure your tire tread is at a proper the level. You can perform this check by inserting a nickel in your tire’s tread groove. Have the head facing you upside down. If you can see the head on the nickel, then it’s time for you to replace the tire.
Don’t forget to make sure your spare tire is in good shape as well.
2. Get an Oil Change
One of the most meticulous aspects of owning a car is getting an oil change. You must make sure to regularly change the oil to allow the proper lubrication that the engine requires. We suggest taking a look at your owner’s manual to understand when to change the oil and the type of oil to use.
Any vehicle model that is 2007 and older will need an oil change every six months or every 5,000 miles. On the other hand, vehicle model that are 2008 and newer usually need an oil change every six months or every 7,500 miles.
3. Keep an Eye on Your Windows
Regularly, checking your windows will help avoid major damage. You also save yourself from staring at that bad spot on your windshield the whole drive. Imagine driving with a big crack going across your entire windshield. Not good. But it doesn’t stop there. You can potentially block your line of sight, which is quite dangerous. Ultimately, if you see any cracks, scratches, or broken pieces, contact your local window repair expert to get the problem resolved as soon as possible.
4. Pump Your Brakes
Without a doubt, you must make sure your brakes on good working order. Perform this check regularly. Every time you drive, your brakes undergo pressure and friction. So if you hear a screeching sound when you pump your brakes, that is a sign that you need to replace your brakes immediately.
But don’t wait to hear a screeching sound for you to take action. Simply, change your brakes once you notice small metal hairs at the very bottom of the brake pads. This is a sign that your brakes are about to lose its grip like material.
5. Clean the Interior
Obviously, all car owners spend a ridiculous amount of time in them, whether they notice it or not. This is even more true if they have kids. So it’s important to take care of the car’s interior so it doesn’t get too dirty. Gross! So if you want your home away from to stay in great condition, you will have to regularly clean it. There are a variety of car cleaning products you can use. You just have to make sure to use the proper cleaning product for either your leather or suede interiors.
6. Top Off All Fluids
Because your car can’t run without fluids, it is very important to fill you car fluid to the proper level. It is as essential as any part the fluid is running into. Regularly check your vehicle’s coolant, power steering, transmission, windshield washer, and brake fluids. Also, check any other fluids that may be found under the hood.
Final Thought
As you get ready for your trip, you should always want to be as prepared as possible. Follow these summer car maintenance tips to avoid any minor mishaps. We also suggest getting AAA membership before you leave because as much as your car is prepared for the road trip you just never know.
Be safe, stay safe and enjoy your summer road trip! We’ll catch you on the road!
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