6 Tips to Prepping Your Kia For New Jersey Summer

What does summer mean to New Jersey residents? Festivals, fairs, concerts, outdoor movies, beaches and more! Summertime is full of excitement, planning trips and enjoying the warmth of the sunshine. While you putting down all your great plans on the calendar, don’t forget to prep your car, making sure your vehicle is comfortable and safe to carry you and your family. Here are some tips on how to prepare. Take a look.

Air Conditioning Maintenance

The average high temperature in North Jersey summer can reach up to 80°F degrees. You’ll want the car’s A/C functioning well while you hit the road. Have your system serviced and make sure it operates properly.

Emergency Kit

Going on a road trip without a basic essential kit could be risky. If anything happens, the kit can help you control the situation until a proper treatment is available. A simple car emergency kit should include:

• First-aid kit
• Moist wipes/ kitchen towel
• Water
• Reflective warning triangles
• Tire sealant
• Gloves
• Flashlight

Cover the Leather Seat

Leather seats tend to absorb too much sunlight and get very hot, making passengers uncomfortable and wasting more A/C to cool down. Use bamboo seat cushions or beach towel to cover the seats to easily prevent the overheat.

Battery Check

Battery failure is one of the biggest reasons that drivers call for roadside assistance in summer. Excessive heat can shorten the life of a battery. Be sure to check your battery charger or get a replacement before heading out.

(source: http://www.carcarenewsservice.org/article/heat-not-cold-shortens-battery-life)

Engine Performance

Heat management is critical for engine protection in summer. Have the cooling system checked and fill the engine coolant to a proper level. The modern coolant formulations usually require changing every 5 years or 50,000 miles. (AAA)

Inflate the Tires Properly

According to a survey of The Rubber Manufacturers Association, 85 percent of motorists in the U.S. did not know how to properly inflate tires. Under-inflated tires could cause trouble in handling and braking of a car. Even worse, overheated tires on the hot road in summer can increase the likelihood of a blowout. Being Tire-Smart not only makes your journey safer but will improve vehicle fuel economy and save you money, according to The U.S. Department of Energy. (AAA)

Here is a catchy way to help you remember the four key elements of tire care.

Remember PART:

Pressure – check the air pressure and inflate the tires properly

Alignment – keep your tires pointing in the right direction. Adjust the wheel alignment when you see uneven or rapid tire wear

Rotation – Regularly rotating your tires will help you achieve more uniform wear

Tread – Make sure the tires have enough tread to grip the road safely

We hope you find our tips helpful. Enjoy your summer 🙂

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