Preparing Your Car for Summer Driving

Just as proper preparations need to be made for winter time driving; your car care must also extend into the summer months.  The drastic change in seasons can play a very significant role in how well your car performs.

The best time for preparing your car for summertime driving is during the spring time or just after the cold of winter time has ended. By now, the cold and ice have disappeared and the car care you performed before the cold weather began are more than likely still in good shape, though the cold weather will have taken its’ toll on some exclusive parts to your car, like the brakes from the snow melting ice, for example, others will have faired quite well and will be fine throughout the hotter summer time months. That is to say, if you maintain your car with the monthly inspections and routine check-ups.
For summer time preparations, check all of your cars lights first. This includes brake lights, headlights (dim and high beams) turn signals (front and rear signals) and your emergency lights. If any light is malfunctioning, replace the bulb using your owners’ manual for guidance, or have an auto repair expert fix the light for you.
Your car tire pressure should be checked monthly. As well as the tire tread. This is especially important when preparing for summer driving, winter road conditions can be unpredictable, and unless visually inspected the tire treads may have worn down from sliding to a stop on icy roads or the snow removing salt may have damaged your tire tread, leaving cuts and nicks in the tires. Check for any budging in the rubber also. Be sure the tire pressure is precise and not under filled or overfilled.
Next re-check the windshield wiper blades for good condition. If you live in a location that inevitably results in snow and ice during the winter time, no doubt you have used your wipers many times during the season. The rubber blade refills should have no cracks and not skid across the window or streaking of the windshield. If this is the case for your car then the rubber wiper blade refills will need to be replaced.
Check all of your fluid levels once again, as you did before the start of winter time. For the most part, your fluid levels should still be intact, but you may have acquired a leak that you weren’t aware of. Also, check the hoses and clamps once more. These too could have accumulated some type of damage during the winter months.
Run your air conditioner for awhile to check if it is cooling as it should. If it seems to blow hot air or not enough cold air then take your car to an auto repair shop and have the professional A/C mechanics test it. It may simply require charging and adding antifreeze to it. But it’s always in the best interest of properly maintaining your car to let the experts handle this area of your car.