Temperature and climate can have a big impact on our cars. The winter brings freezing temperatures and the summer can bring extreme heat. Depending on where you live, the intensity of these seasons could be more severe than others.
Proper car maintenance is essential for ensuring the reliability of your vehicle and the safety of you and your passengers. Additionally, it can help extend the life of your vehicle and reduce the costs associated with ownership. In this article, we’ll go over some important tips for the best chance of a trouble-free summer and winter while on the roads.
See Also: Long Term Car Storage Tips
Summer Car Maintenance Tips
1) Check Tire Pressure
During the summer months, your vehicle’s tires can become overinflated due to the heat. This can lead to a decrease in traction and an increase in fuel consumption. To prevent this, use a good tire pressure gauge regularly and adjust if necessary.
Additionally, check for any signs of wear and tear that may need to be addressed. Make sure to replace any tires that show signs of extreme wear or damage.
2) Change Oil and Filters
The summer months can be demanding on your vehicle’s engine. To ensure it runs smoothly, regularly change the oil and oil filter. Have a mechanic check the oil level, as well as the condition of the oil filter, to make sure they are in good condition.
3) Clean and Test Battery
Car battery life is reduced in the summer because too much heat can overcharge the battery. Corrosion will also be more common as well.
The best way to preserve your battery during the summer is to regularly clean your battery terminals and connections. Also, test the battery often to ensure that your vehicle will actually start when you need it to.
4) Examine Brakes and Belts
High temperatures can cause the brakes and belts to wear out faster. Make sure to check them regularly and replace any parts that are worn or damaged. Also, keep an eye out for any signs of excess wear or damage.
Related: How Long Do Brake Pads Last on a Car?
5) Check Coolant Levels
High temperatures can cause the coolant levels in your vehicle to decrease. Make sure to check the coolant levels regularly and top them off if necessary. Additionally, have a mechanic check the coolant system for any leaks or other problems.
6) Inspect Windshield Wipers and Fluid Level
Check the condition of your windshield wipers regularly. Replace any worn or damaged wipers to ensure that they are working properly. How often you need to replace your wipers can vary based on what part of the country you’re in and what quality of wiper blades you have.
Make sure to use wiper blades that are the right size for your vehicle, as well as making sure you have plenty of windshield washer fluid in the reservoir.
7) Maintain Air Conditioning
Before the summer strikes, have your air conditioner system checked over to ensure that it is working properly. You certainly don’t want to end up without working A/C on a hot summer day. This could make it too uncomfortable to drive.
Winter Car Maintenance Tips
To help your car get through the winter, you should follow the tips below. They will help ensure that you reduce your chances of getting stuck in a snowstorm or having your vision impaired by the nasty weather.
1) Check Tire Pressure
The cold winter months can cause your vehicle’s tires to become underinflated, leading to a decrease in traction and an increase in fuel consumption. To prevent this, check the tire pressure regularly and adjust if necessary. Additionally, check for any signs of wear and tear that may need to be addressed. Make sure to replace any tires that show signs of extreme wear or damage.
2) Keep Gas Tank Full
When you have a gas tank that’s close to empty, water can accumulate in the fuel tank. If it’s cold outside, then this water could freeze. Try to keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent this from happening. It is also good to have a full tank in case you get stranded due to severe weather or other emergency.
3) Inspect Wipers and Washer Fluid
Winter storms have heavy winds and will often blow a lot of debris onto your windshield. Keeping your vehicle filled with washer fluid will be essential in clearing the debris. And, of course, ensure that your windshield wipers are strong enough for cold winters.
4) Install Winter Tires
If you have a dedicated set of winter tires, make sure to install them before the cold weather hits. If you don’t have them and your area is prone to get snow or ice, you should seriously consider making the investment. Winter tires provide superior traction on snow and ice and can help keep you safe in the winter months.
5) Inspect Battery
Cold weather can cause a car battery to lose its charge faster. Check the battery regularly to make sure it is working properly. If the battery is more than three years old, consider replacing it to ensure it is is peak operating condition and won’t leave you stranded at the worst possible time.
6) Check Heating and Defrost Systems
In the winter months, it is important to make sure your vehicle’s heating and defrost systems are working properly. Check the coolant levels and make sure the heater core is not leaking. Additionally, check the condition of the windshield wipers and make sure they are functioning correctly.
Finally, check to make sure that all gridlines in your rear window are working. A non-functioning rear defroster is a major hazard in winter.
7) Check Lights
Check all of your vehicle’s lights regularly to make sure they are working properly. This is especially important in the winter months when visibility is reduced. Make sure to replace any bulbs that are burned out or damaged.
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I found the tips so helpfull,keep the job up,thanks