During summertime most of us are looking forward to road trips, be it cross-country travel or a quick drive to the beach. However, high temperatures can cause car problems such as engine failure, tire blowouts, and brake fade. To avoid any unexpected issues on the road, it is best to prepare your car ahead of time.
Raptor Auto Parts has 10 tips to make sure your car is in the best condition before your summer vacation drive:
1. Test your battery.
Extreme heat can put a strain on your car battery so make sure to test it to avoid expensive repairs. Remove corrosion buildup from the top of the battery and on the cables. Inspect if all connections are secure. If your car has an old battery, consider getting a new one— it will cost you less than having it serviced if your car breaks down.
2. Monitor your tire pressure.
Your tires expand when exposed to hot temperatures, which can lead to car troubles in the future. Make sure that your tires have the proper pressure. You can check your tire pressure each time you visit the gas station, or you can do it at home if you own a tire pressure gauge. Look for uneven wear or bubbles. If you see any wires, you must replace your tires immediately.
If you use winter tires, be sure to switch them out with summer tires because winter tires have a more aggressive tread and are inappropriate for hot temperatures.
Don’t forget your spare tires! It’s a good idea to check it now and then to see if it is properly inflated and ready to go.
3. Check your engine oil and other fluid levels.
Another great way to keep your car in good shape for your long summer drive is to check your car’s fluid levels. Check if the engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid are all at the recommended levels.
If you discover a fluid leak or other problems, have a professional technician check it to prevent car breakdown on the road.
4. Inspect your cooling system.
Aside from the engine oil and other fluids, your cooling system is also very important because its main function is to keep the engine cool. Usually, it can maintain 200° Fahrenheit to effectively support fuel combustion and to protect your car’s engine from any corrosion. However, under extreme heat, the coolant temperature may touch 250° and this may cause overheating.
This is why you should pay extra attention to the cooling system in the summer. The coolant level should be maintained at a 50/50 ratio of water and antifreeze.
5. Check your car’s belts and hoses.
Extreme heat may cause cracking, blistering, and other damage to your belts and hoses. This will hinder the functions of your car engine’s cooling, charging, and air conditioning systems. Check your belts and hoses for any problems so you’d know if they need to be replaced. If not, keep in mind that belts and hoses should be replaced every four years.
6. Double-check your brakes.
Hot weather increases the brake system’s temperature and may cause the brake pads to wear out quicker. To check your brake system, remove the tires and then the brake pads where you can look for uneven wear and cracking. You should look out for signs of damage such as squeaking or and grinding sounds. Consult your trusted technician to have your brakes replaced.
If you discover a fluid leak or other problems, have a professional technician check it to prevent car breakdown on the road.
7. Change your air filters.
Replacing the engine’s air filter is something that can easily be overlooked. The air filter is an important part of your car as it keeps dust and dirt from entering the inner workings of your motor. A clean air filter improves engine performance. The best time to replace it after a long winter to get rid of the salt, sand, and other debris and so that you can get the most out of your cooling system.
8. Test your air-conditioning system.
Nobody wants to sit in a car and endure the sweltering heat, so you want to make sure that your air-conditioner unit is working perfectly. If you have been experiencing problems in the past you need to have it checked by a certified technician.
You might also want to clean your air conditioning condenser. This is the little box that looks like the radiator at the front of your car. If there are any obstructions in the way like loose leaves and mud, remove them immediately to allow the air to move more freely. It also improves the performance of your air-conditioning system.
9. Get a car wash.
Get your car summer-ready by washing it. Your car must have accumulated some road salt and grime from melted snow. This can cause severe damage to your car’s paint and undercarriage.
Also, you make sure that you have a clean windscreen to avoid dirt and scratches that may affect your vision while driving. You also need to inspect your windshield wipers for any rot or cracking on the rubber part of the blade and replace them as needed.
10. Update your emergency road kit.
Everyone must keep an emergency vehicle kit in their car all year round. It must be easily accessible and stored somewhere safe. Also, you might want to check if your insurance and registration are all up to date. Before you go on your trip, make sure your emergency kit is fully stocked and check for items that need replacement.
You must have the following tools:
- Jumper cables
- Flat tire tools
- Flashlight
- Reflective hazard flares and triangles
- Reflective blanket
- Gloves
It is also helpful to have these miscellaneous items:
- Nonperishable food items
- Water
- Phone charger
- First aid kit
- Emergency telephone numbers
And that’s it!
Don’t let any sudden car issues spoil your summer road trips. Always be prepared and make sure that all you and your passengers are safe.
If you need automotive services or repairs, Raptor Auto Parts is here for you. Our high-performance parts are guaranteed to boost your engines.
We wish you a fun, car problem-free summer ahead. See you!