Summer Care Care Tips for Southeast Georgia
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start to summer, and summer is the season of road trips. But before you venture out on the open road with your family, make sure you follow these Summer Car Care Tips. Summer’s high temperatures and brutal sunshine can take a toll on everyone — and everything, especially your vehicle. Extreme heat can push a car past its limits, and that can lead to some drivers finding themselves stranded at the roadside. We have a couple days of reprieve from the heat so it is a good time to do some basic summer preparation to avoid becoming one of those drivers.
Fluids
Make sure the engine oil and oil filter are changed. Also be sure the service technician checks your coolant, brakes, automatic transmission, windshield wipers, and power-steering fluids while they’re at it. These fluids are critical for keeping parts lubricated and preventing your engine from overheating.
Battery
Make sure your battery is prepared for high temperatures. Heat and vibration are a battery’s worst enemies, leading to internal breakdown and eventual failure. While you can’t do much about the heat, you can make sure your battery is securely mounted to minimize vibration. If a battery is more than three years old, it’s a good idea to have it tested by a trained technician to determine how much longer it will last.
Tires
It is important to check the air pressure in your tires. It’s critical to have properly inflated tires. Proper inflation assures the best possible contact between the tires and the road. An improperly inflated tire can overheat, potentially leading to a blowout on the highway. Check your owner’s manual or the driver side door jamb to find the correct tire pressures. You’ll want to check the pressure when the tires are cold, so the morning is usually the best time. Properly inflated tires will also last longer, improve gas mileage and also provide a safer driving experience — especially in severe weather.
Visibility
Visibility is always important. Check the wiper fluid reservoir and top it off if necessary. We recommend a windshield fluid solution that helps clear the glass of bugs. Take a good look at the wiper blades. In most cases, it is often recommended to replace these in the winter, since the heat can dry out the rubber. But given that daily afternoon summer storms are common here in the South, give your blades a close inspection. Run the wipers with fresh washer fluid and see whether or not they leave streaks on the windshield.
AC System
We live in coastal Georgia. It is hot and humid. You’re going to be using the air-conditioner every time you get in your vehicle in the summer months and chances are, you already have been using the AC. How well has it been working so far? Have you heard any odd noises or noticed any strange smells? If so, you may want to have your mechanic inspect it. The system may need cleaning, have a leak or need to be recharged.
Finish
Hopefully you took some time during the spring to clean your finish and reapply a protective coat of wax. If not, there is still time to wash your car like a pro and you will have a vehicle finish ready for the summer sun and heat. In an ideal situation you should not be out washing your car in hot weather or direct sunlight. There are a lot of different reasons, but the main one is that the soap residue and rinse water can quickly dry onto the surface of the paintwork resulting in unsightly water spotting which can often be difficult to remove. Check out our guide to minimize the difficulties and potential of damage being done washing your car in hot weather.
Be Prepared
The summer heat is no comfortable place for a car to break down. But like all unexpected things, it’s bound to happen at some point so you should prepare for the worst. Keep an emergency kit in your trunk at all times with items like jumper cables, tools, and a first aid kit.
Follow these summer car care tips and you and your car will be ready to go this summer.
