Summer means road trips, vacations, and picnics. But it also means it’s time to invest in routine maintenance for your vehicle. At Joe’s Service Department, we perform annual tune-ups to help our clients’ vehicles run efficiently for many years. To keep your car running smoothly this summer, follow these five tips for summer car maintenance.
1. Regularly Wash Your Car
Now that the salt is off the road, it’s time to wash it off of your car as well. Salt can corrode paint and rust the vehicle’s undercarriage. In addition to regularly washing your vehicle, apply a coat of wax every three months to protect the paint from damage.
2. Check the Tires
Maintaining proper tire pressure is important year-round. During summer, the air inside of the tires expands due to heat, making a blowout more likely. Furthermore, keep an eye on the tread. If the tread is getting low, it may be time for a new set of tires. Alternatively, if the tread is wearing inconsistently, you may need a tire rotation or wheel alignment.
3. Pop the Hood
We also recommend taking a look under the hood every month to look for signs of damage. Squeeze the hoses to test for leaks, and look for frayed belts. Test your battery to make sure you have a good charge, as high temperatures can quickly drain a battery. And, if you are able, test the fluid levels. Ample oil, coolant, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid are all essential; low levels could indicate a leak.
4. Pay Attention to the Suspension
If you notice your vehicle pulling to one side, have difficulty steering, or experience excessive bouncing, you need to have the suspension checked. Pay attention to how your vehicle handles; the faster you notice a problem with the suspension, the easier it is to repair.
5. Keep It Cool
Air conditioning is a gift. To maximize fuel efficiency and prolong the life of your vehicle’s AC, run it at a low, consistent setting. Blasting the AC and frequently adjusting the temperature makes your vehicle less efficient, and wears on the AC unit.
Schedule a Tune-Up
The best way to prepare your car for summer is by scheduling a tune-up with Joe’s. We will take care of the above-mentioned maintenance and more. We perform everything from oil changes to engine repairs. To schedule service at our shop in Indianapolis, contact us today at (317) 405-8456.
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/best-cars-blog/2016/07/5-best-summer-car-care-tips
