We all know how good it feels to shake off winter and move into spring and finally summer. Most of us take to the roads in our vehicles once summer hits for road trips or daily trips to the beach. Before doing so, a few things need to be checked on your vehicle to ensure you get maximum performance.
Tire Pressure
While this seems obvious, most people overlook checking it until they realize they are getting poor gas mileage or feel sluggish through a hard turn. Because changes in temperature affect air pressure, tires need to be checked when the seasons change. Just 10 degrees Fahrenheit can cause the tire pressure to gain or lose 1 psi. The average temperature change between winter and summer is approximately 50 degrees.
This is my first and easiest step in basic seasonal maintenance. Also, always keep a tire pressure gauge in your glove box. Do not rely on the ones on the gas station air compressors. They tend to be inaccurate from heavy use and being exposed to the elements all year.
Battery Test
Hot weather tends to put more strain on a car’s battery. In summer, you want to make sure the fluid level in the battery is at the proper levels. It is a simple procedure that anyone can do. A flathead screwdriver can pop the cap on the top of your battery and the fluid level will be easily viewable. If it is low, fill with distilled water only. A weak battery in summer can easily fail; if the battery isn’t strong, you should replace it. AutoZone will do a free battery check for you and charging if necessary.
Coolant/Antifreeze Level
Although it seems obvious, many people move right into summer without checking their coolant level. But that precious fluid works like magic; it prevents your engine from freezing in the winter and overheating in the summer. Make sure this is at the proper level to avoid overheating. Checking this is even easier than checking the battery fluid because no tools are necessary. It is fairly straightforward: Make sure it is full and your radiator is ready for all seasons.
Windshield Wipers/Windshield Washer Fluid
If you live anywhere that gets a good amount of snow, then you probably put your wiper blades through a lot over winter. I live in New England, and a winter season with just moderate amounts of snowfall destroys my wiper blades. Wiper blade deterioration comes from a variety of factors. In winter, the blades being just above freezing and then going below freezing really expedites failure. Add moisture from melting snow combined with the salts kicked up from the road, and the blades begin to breakdown.
Once the summer heat hits, the rubber tends to dry, crack, and separate from the frame. You also probably used a lot of your windshield washer fluid through winter like I do. By the time summer starts, your wiper blades should be replaced and your washer fluid topped off. If you cannot see, you cannot drive.
On the first warm day this year it went from sunny to rainy. I had not changed the wipers, nor had they been used for a few weeks. When the rain came, I turned on the wipers and the blades tore away from the frame, reducing my visibility to about 40 percent. Had I changed them proactively, I would have had no problem getting to my destination. Instead, my destination changed; I had to reroute myself to Pep Boys.
Oil Change
While you may not technically be due for an oil change when summer comes, it is a good idea to do one anyway. Running that oil through the seasons tends to wear it down significantly, and it is always better to be safe than sorry. I change my oil religiously right at 3,000 miles. Through winter, I change it every 2,000 miles and always at the change of a season regardless of mileage.
Yahoo! Autos put the myth of “normal driving” to rest in a complete overview of oil changes and when they should be done. What most of us do is called “severe service” driving. This includes short trips, and the author especially notes cold weather as being destructive to the oil. So, naturally, an extreme change in temperature demands an oil change.
Besides your home, your car is the most important asset you are invested in. Retirement accounts will take care of you decades later but taking care of your car now will ensure that your car can take care of you every day.