5 Need-to-Know Tips for Summer Car Care

 

You may think that nothing stands up to winter’s wrath – black ice, blinding snow squalls, and freezing temperatures. But with torrential rainstorms and blistering heat, summer poses threats that can be even worse on your vehicle’s well-being. With the warm weather approaching, it’s time for some summer car care.

Even though New Jersey isn’t home to any severe desert climates, we recommend you and your car are ready for the mid-summer heat. With the kids off from school and road trips on the horizon, your car is likely to be in constant use. It’s also the best time of year to drive! We want you to be as safe as possible while enjoying the open road. Our 5 need-know-tips below are sure to prepare you and your family for everything the summer months throw your way.

 

1. Test Your Battery

The number one cause of battery failure is high temperatures. Therefore, when your thermometer reads “95” plus humidity and you’re headed on the road for vacation, it’s good to know your car battery is reliable. Another condition that negatively affects your battery is excessive vibration. Since heat isn’t something you have much control over, take the time to securely mount your battery. This will diminish movement and may prolong the battery life.

Battery fluid may also evaporate in the heat. When this happens, connections and terminals corrode. Look at your battery and clean out any corrosive build up from the terminals and clamps. If you want to estimate how long your battery will last, or if you need any assistance, take your vehicle into a trained technician.

 

 

2. Check Out Your Tires

A damaged or flat tire can be a nightmare experience on the road. With high temperatures, tires are more likely to fail due to the scorching pavement. And the faster you’re driving the more likely and dangerous a tire blowout can be. So, if you haven’t already had your tires inspected by a trained technician now is a good time to do so.

We recommend having weather-focused tires required for your local weather conditions. When inspecting your tires, make sure to look for uneven wear and sidewall bubbles. If either of these signs is apparent, it’s time to replace your tires. Also, pop the trunk while you’re at it and check if your spare tire in an effort by the manufacturer to reduce weight and create additional storage space. We recommend that you refer to your owner’s manual to know what to do if your vehicle does not have a spare tire. If you need any assistance with your tires do not hesitate to bring your vehicle to a trusted local tire expert.

 

 

3. Don’t Forget Your Fluids

Brake Fluid: If you want to avoid brake failure, then look at the reservoir located under the hood at the base of your car’s windshield. There will be a marking that reads “full.” Unless the liquid is brown and foggy, then you should be able to simply fill it up. Brake fluid is poisonous so handle it with care. Or bring your vehicle to a trusted service shop.

Power Steering Fluid: If you’ve ever had difficulty turning your steering wheel, it could have been low or contaminated power steering fluid. Break out your owner’s manual for directions on checking the fluid level. Neglecting this for too long could result in a failure of your entire system.

Automatic Transition Fluid (ATF): Your owner’s manual knows all when checking ATF. To avoid overpressure issues or a burnt-out torque converter, check in to see what level you need to fill it to.

Oil: This one is simple. Check the dipstick to see the level and color of your oil. Normal oil tends to last anywhere between 4,000 and 5,000 miles. If the oil is amber colored and full then you are fine. But if it looks black then change it immediately.

Coolant: For the best performance possible, you should change your coolant once a year.

 

 

4. Inspect Your Brakes

In both bumper-to-bumper traffic and sudden stops at high speeds, worn brakes can let you down. There are many signs of bad brakes. If you hear squealing or grinding noises when you stop, your car pulls to one side when you brake, you smell something burning, or the brake pads are discolored and crumbling, then it’s time to replace or fix your brakes. Drastic changes in temperature from season to season negatively impact your car’s brakes. This is the perfect time of year to get them inspected.

 

5. Prepare for Summer Breakdowns

When you’re road tripping around the country, or even driving the kids to the pool, a breakdown may ensue. You can’t tell when or where it will take place. That’s why we recommend you are ready if and when the time comes. Put together an emergency kit and store it somewhere safe and accessible in the car.

Throw in some bottled water, jumper cables, road flares, simple hand tools, a first aid kit, non-perishable food, and a flashlight with extra batteries. Breaking down anywhere can be a scary experience. But if you know you’re prepared, the situation will be less stressful.

We hope you are feeling safer already. Once your car is ready to go, feel free to hit the open road with confidence.

Here are some great New Jersey spots you and your family can drive to this summer. Go check out the Great Falls in Paterson or hang out with real wolves at the Lakota Wolf Preserve. Wherever you choose to go, we’re sure it will be a trip to remember.

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