I don’t know about you, but our family car works the hardest in summer. From the long-distance road trips to a weekend runarounds, the summer is one big adventure! This is the time to take the very best care of your car and here is where you should start:
Check your Coolant!
Don’t just check the level of coolant fluid in your car, inspect the state of the hoses and the coolant reservoir. Keep an eye out for leaks, especially at joints and connection points.
Engine Belts
The engine belt can deteriorate, become loose, start to squeal, and sometimes just break for no apparent reason. Do you see cracks in the belt or small pieces missing? Replace the belt!
Wipers
Worn wipers create streaks across the windshield and make it difficult to see the road.
Other Fluids
Check oil, brake, power steering and windshield washer fluids regularly. Check the breaks! Do they feel off?
Keep it Cold
If you are driving an older car, check the Freon. If it leaks, you have to look for leak-sealing products.
Air Filter
What’s left under the hood of your car since last fall? Decomposing leaves may be clogging up drainage points, windshield-washer nozzles or your car’s air filter. Consider changing or cleaning it. When in doubt, consult a qualified technician.
Tires
Tires need to be checked regularly for cracks, uneven wear, and tread depth. Since summer is a time for road trips, keep a can of Fix-A-Flat and the spare obviously needs to be usable, too.
See other car care tips at Autotrader.com
These are really good car care tips to follow. I make sure all fluids are full and the tires have the proper air pressure.
I had a bit of a double whammy when both my engine belt and my coolant started to have problems. Luckily, neither permanently damaged the car, but it was enough to put it out of commission for a while. I need to make sure to check on all of these things regularly. Thanks for sharing the tips.