Routine maintenance and being proactive about your vehicle is important at any point in the year, but we always like to focus on keeping your car healthy at the beginning of the summer. With the brutal heat, and likely road trip or two planned, your car works hard throughout the most-relaxed season. Of course, our team of certified prof essionals is always willing to inspect your vehicle, and Multi-Point Inspections (offered with every service) cover many of the suggestions below. But, just to be aware of common summer problems, here are a few things to think about as the temperatures rise: Certified Technician Dennis Miller repairs the air conditioning in a 2013 Dodge Durango. How to Prepare for the Weather In the South, it’s hard to imagine surviving without air conditioning in your home and in your vehicle. However, it’s also difficult to think about your air conditioning until you need it, and chances are, it went through a period of time with little use in your vehicle. Make sure that when you turn your air conditioning on, it blows cold air without any unusual smells or noises. Under the hood, inspect your air conditioning for any damaged belts or fins. Speaking of cooling, it’s also important to to keep your engine cool to prevent the vehicle from overheating. Check that there are no leaks in your radiator, and that you have proper levels of (clear, not cloudy) coolant. While we’re all hoping for a sunny summer, now is also the time for thunderstorms. You may have used your wiper fluid to de-ice your windshield in the winter, so check to see if you still have enough. If your wiper blades are streaking the windshield or peeling in any way, it’s time to replace them. Certified Technician Juan Castillo works to rebuild the engine in a 2012 Scion iQ. How to Prepare for a Road Trip To ensure safety, we recommend a full inspection before embarking on a long or challenging road trip. While it’s always a good idea to have a professional check the battery, engine and any lights that have come to life on the dashboard, there are a few things you can do yourself before entering our Service Lane. Inspect your tires for tread and cuts, and check that the air pressure is in accordance with the numbers listed on the driver’s side door. Be sure to do the same for the spare tire, and check that the jack is still in working order. Pay attention if your brakes are starting to take longer to work, or if you notice noises or pulsations of any kind. A minor brake problem can soon be detrimental, so keep up to date with the state of your brake pads and fluid. If your vacation includes towing of any kind, double check the hitch. Ensure that the safety chains are in order, and that the brakes and lights are working on any trailer you may use. Abide by your vehicle’s gross vehicle weight (GVW), and take special care when packing for proper load distribution.
