As the summer heat starts to set in, your vehicle needs a little extra care to get through the dog days. Even though most drivers understand how important it is to winterize their cars, keeping regular auto maintenance throughout the summer is just as critical. The warmer months, especially during summer, bring increased travel rates, hotter temperatures, and new challenges such as overheating engines, tire blowouts, and draining battery levels.
If you’re planning to move or looking forward to a long-distance road trip, Global Auto Transportation has your back. We at Global Auto Transportation offer fully insured nationwide car shipping services that keep your vehicle protected from the unique challenges of summer wear and tear.
1. Check and Maintain Your Cooling System
Your car’s cooling system is your engine’s main and first line of defense against overheating. The risk of overheating especially skyrockets during the summer months. Check and maintain your cooling system by:
- Checking coolant levels on a regular basis and top off using a 50/50 antifreeze and water mix.
- Looking over your hoses for any cracks, bulges, or leaks.
- Making sure your car’s radiator fans work properly when the engine heats up.
Not paying attention to your cooling system and its functionality can lead to breakdowns and pricey damages to your engine. Always make sure to prioritize your car’s cooling system during your summer car maintenance.
2. Test Your Air Conditioning System
An A/C system that functions properly is highly necessary, especially during those long-distance drives in the summer heat. Comfortable driving isn’t only a luxury, it’s oftentimes an important safety measure!
- Make sure that the A/C is blowing cold air.
- If performance has declined, recharge the refrigerant.
- Pay attention to strange noises coming from the A/C, as this typically points towards a larger, internal issue.
A failing A/C system in high heat can turn your car into an oven on wheels. Don’t risk it, and test your system before getting behind the wheel.
3. Inspect and Rotate Your Tires
Pavement that’s been sizzling under the summer sun can increase the chance of tire blowouts while on the road, especially if your tires are worn or underinflated.
- Inspect tire pressure on a monthly basis and adjust your tires based on the manufacturer’s recommended PSI.
- Keep an eye out for bald spots, cracks, or uneven wear.
- Make sure to rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles on the road.
Taking care of your tires properly boosts both safety and fuel efficiency. It’s one of the most practical and cost-efficient steps in proper summer car maintenance.
4. Monitor Battery Health
While winter gets most of the blame for battery problems, summer heat is actually tougher on your car’s battery. High temperatures cause the battery fluid to evaporate faster, which can lead to internal damage and a shorter overall lifespan. It’s important to keep the terminals clean and free of corrosion, and regularly test your battery’s voltage especially if it’s more than three years old. If your battery is showing signs of weakness or nearing the end of its life, it may be time to consider a replacement.
Before setting out on any long road trip in the heat, make sure your battery is in good shape. A dead battery in the middle of summer is a guaranteed way to ruin your plans. Stay proactive and check it ahead of time to avoid stalling under the sun.
5. Keep Your Engine Oil in Check
High heat and temperatures thin engine oil, decreasing its ability to lubricate and keep your engine protected.
- Depending on the climate, use the recommended oil grade.
- Typically, high-mileage or synthetic oils work better in extreme temperatures.
- Never skip out on checking your oil level before going on a long-distance drive.
Maintaining oil checks are a simple, yet highly effective step in your summer car maintenance. It helps avoid extreme wear, overheating, and engine issues in the long-run.
6. Replace Worn Wiper Blades and Refill Washer Fluid
Summer doesn’t always mean sunshine and clear skies. Clear, visible windshields are key during summer storms, or even when dealing with bug splatter during a long drive.
If your windshield wipers show signs of cracking, or if they leave streaks, replace the wiper blades immediately. Use washer fluid to wipe down your windshields, especially those that are designed for summer drives, like bug-remover formulas.
Don’t let poor visibility become a safety hazard while driving. This small, yet efficient summer car maintenance task goes a long way while traveling during the summer.
7. Check Brakes and Brake Fluid
Traveling during the summer usually means more miles, greater traffic congestion, and even rugged roads. All of these factors add extra stress to your brakes.
- Pay close attention to squeaking or grinding sounds while braking.
- Check your brake fluid. Clear fluid is a sign of healthy brake fluid, while dark and dirty fluid indicates a larger internal issue.
- Before going on a long drive or summer road trip, schedule a brake inspection.
Your brakes are the most vital safety system while driving. Stay ahead of the curve and have them inspected before hitting the road.
Bonus Tip – Don’t Forget the Interior
Extreme heat and prolonged exposure to sunlight can seriously damage your car’s interior, causing materials like leather, plastic, and fabric to fade, crack, or deteriorate over time. To protect it, try to park in the shade whenever possible or use a windshield sunshade to block direct sunlight. Applying a UV-protectant to your dashboard, seats, and other surfaces can also help reduce wear. For even more heat control, window tinting can minimize glare and keep the cabin temperature lower.
Taking these simple precautions will not only preserve the look and value of your vehicle but also keep you more comfortable during those hot summer drives.
Be Ready for Summer, Wherever the Road Takes You
Driving during the summer can be liberating, but it also adds more responsibilities on your plate. By following through with this summer car maintenance checklist, you’re protecting both your vehicle and peace of mind on every journey.Need to get your car transported across the country instead of driving it yourself? Global Auto Transportation is here to ship your car with ease. We help customers ship their vehicles across the U.S. with fully insured, door-to-door auto transport solutions.
No matter the reason for your car shipping needs, from relocating to vacationing, or even for business, Global Auto Transportation makes sure your vehicle gets where it needs to be safely, and without all the summer stress.
Get a Free Quote and receive a price estimate for your car shipping needs today!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Can I Tell If My Car is Overheating in The Summer?
Look out for rising temperature gauges, steam from under the hood, or strange and unusual smells coming from the engine. If you notice any of these warning signs, pull over and shut the engine off immediately.
2. When is The Best Time to Schedule my Summer Car Maintenance?
The best time to schedule a maintenance check for the summer is ideally before the first heat wave or long-distance drive of the season. Preparing early on gives you the perfect time to address any major issues and prevent being held back by delays.
3. Can I Use a Winter Washer Fluid Instead of a Summer One to Clean my Windshield During the Summer?
It’s not recommended. Stick to a summer windshield washer fluid that’s specifically designed to remove bugs and road grime effectively. Clear visibility means clear driving.
4. Is Synthetic Oil Better for Driving During the Summertime?
Yes, synthetic oil is more suitable for your car’s functionality under high temperatures and offers greater protection, especially for older and high-mileage cars.
5. How Can I Get My Car Shipped Safely During the Summer?
Contact Global Auto Transportation today for licensed, insured auto transport services. We offer open and enclosed car transport solutions with guaranteed protection during peak summer months.
