10. Check Your Tires
Tires are crucial for your vehicle’s safety and performance, yet they often go overlooked. According to the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA), only about 10% of drivers check their tire pressure correctly, while nearly 70% regularly wash their cars. However, neglecting tire maintenance—especially during the hot summer months—can pose serious risks.
As temperatures rise, tire pressure tends to increase by approximately 1 to 2 PSI (pounds per square inch) for every 10-degree rise in temperature. To ensure your safety, refer to your vehicle’s manual or the tire sidewall to determine the ideal pressure rating. Use a reliable hand gauge to check the pressure, or have a technician do it for you at your local service center.
Both over-inflated and under-inflated tires can lead to hazardous situations. Under-inflated tires may bulge at the sides, increasing stress on the sidewalls and heightening the risk of blowouts in hot conditions. Conversely, over-inflated tires reduce the contact area with the road, increasing the likelihood of hydroplaning during summer rainstorms.
To assess tread depth, perform the penny test: insert a penny into the tread groove. If Lincoln’s head is covered, your tires are still safe. For a thorough evaluation, consider visiting a reputable auto shop or tire specialist to check your alignment and balance.
Don’t forget about your spare tire! A flat or worn backup tire won’t be much help in an emergency, so make sure it is properly inflated and has adequate tread depth.
9. Change Oil and Oil Filter
Your car’s engine depends on oil to run smoothly; it cools, cleans, and lubricates the moving parts, ensuring optimal performance. Most vehicle manuals recommend changing the oil and oil filter every 7,500 miles (12,070 kilometers). However, many experts suggest changing it every 3,000 miles (4,828 kilometers) or every three months, particularly since summer driving often entails more miles and challenging conditions.
To check your oil, let the engine run for a few minutes before parking on level ground and shutting it off. Open the hood and locate the oil dipstick. Pay attention to both the oil level and its quality. If the level is low, you can either top it off or proceed with a full oil change. Healthy oil should appear clean with a brownish-yellow hue. If it’s dark or full of debris, it’s time for a change and a new filter.
8. De-Winterize Your Car
If you followed our Top 10 Car Winterizing Tips, there are essential maintenance tasks to reverse as the warmer months arrive. First, remove any snow tires, as they are heavier than standard all-season tires and can negatively impact fuel efficiency. If your vehicle has been sitting idle during winter, inspect all fluid levels, including coolant, transmission, differential, power steering, and brake fluid. Any leaks that developed over winter could go unnoticed until it’s too late.
It’s also wise to change the oil, especially if it has remained stagnant for months, as it tends to thicken and absorb moisture, which can hinder engine performance. Batteries that were inactive may need a recharge or complete replacement.
Don’t forget to thoroughly clean your car’s undercarriage, especially if you live in an area that experiences snow. Road salt and debris can accumulate, potentially corroding metal parts over time. You can rinse the undercarriage with a garden hose or a pressure washer, or opt for a high-pressure steam clean from a professional detailing service for tougher grime.
7. Check Hoses and Belts
Keeping your engine cool is vital during summer driving. Begin by inspecting your vehicle’s hoses and belts. The radiator hoses transport coolant to and from the engine block, while the belts drive the fan that regulates temperature. If either of these components fails, your radiator can overheat, leaving you stranded.
Examine your hoses for cracks, leaks, or loose fittings; they should feel firm, not soft or squishy. Over time, hoses can deteriorate from the inside due to electrochemical degradation (ECD), which slowly wears down the rubber, particularly near the clamps connecting them to the radiator or engine.
Belts also need your attention. Look for signs of wear, such as cracks or fraying. If a belt appears shiny or slick, that’s a red flag. Remove the belt for a more thorough inspection; if it’s beginning to delaminate, it’s time for a replacement. Experts recommend replacing belts that have been in use for over 36,000 miles (57,936 kilometers).
6. Change the Air Filter
During winter months, your vehicle’s air filter can become clogged with salt and debris, restricting airflow into the engine and negatively affecting fuel efficiency. Replacing a dirty or clogged air filter can enhance your gas mileage by up to 10 percent.
The general guideline is to change your air filter every 12,000 miles (19,312 kilometers), but this can vary based on your driving conditions. If you frequently drive on dusty roads, your air filter will need changing more often than if you primarily drive on highways. The best way to determine its condition is to remove and visually inspect it.
A slightly dirty air filter can sometimes perform better than a brand-new one, as accumulated particles can enhance its ability to trap finer debris. While there’s no definitive science for when to change it, if it looks heavily soiled, it’s time for a replacement. Given the importance of clean airflow, it’s wise to replace it proactively, especially before embarking on summer road trips.
5. Replace Your Windshield Wipers
Summer weather can be unpredictable, and sudden rain showers are common. Effective windshield wipers are essential for maintaining visibility during these downpours, particularly at night when visibility can drop significantly.
Winter can take a toll on wiper blades, causing the rubber to crack or tear due to ice, snow, and freezing temperatures. If your wipers are leaving streaks or require multiple swipes to clear the windshield, it’s time for a replacement. It’s advisable to replace the entire blade rather than just the rubber strip for optimal performance.
Most auto parts stores can help you find the correct size and type of wipers for your vehicle. If you’re changing the wipers for the first time, follow the package instructions carefully and take note of how the old blades were attached before removing them; this can be more helpful than any diagram on the new packaging.
4. Check Your Brakes
Brakes are undoubtedly the most critical safety feature in your vehicle. Driving in summer heat with worn or malfunctioning brakes poses serious risks, especially if you’re transporting family or friends. Brake components need to be replaced when the brake pad or shoe lining wears down beyond the minimum thickness specified by the manufacturer or mandated by state regulations.
Common indicators that your brakes require attention include:
- A brake pedal that feels unusually soft or spongy
- A brake pedal that is overly firm or hard to press
- A pedal that sits higher or lower than normal
- Dashboard warning lights related to the brake system
- Persistent scraping or grinding noises when braking
While occasional squeaking can be normal, pay attention to grinding or scraping sounds, which indicate metal-on-metal contact—this can cause significant damage to your braking system. If you suspect any brake issues, address them promptly to avoid more expensive and dangerous repairs down the line.
3. Check the Coolant and Radiator
While internal combustion engines are designed to withstand high temperatures, there is a limit to how hot they can safely operate. The ideal engine temperature is around 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius). If temperatures exceed this level, it can lead to severe internal damage.
Modern vehicles are equipped with advanced cooling systems that circulate chemical coolant (antifreeze) through various hoses, pumps, fans, and thermostats, maintaining a safe operating temperature. If any component of this system fails—whether it’s low coolant, a leaking hose, or a broken belt—your engine could overheat and leave you stranded.
Summer conditions can further strain your cooling system, particularly in traffic jams on hot days, where airflow over the engine is limited. To prevent overheating, check your coolant level regularly. It’s generally recommended to flush the radiator and replace the coolant every two years. When refilling, use a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water, or opt for pre-mixed solutions.
If you notice a small puddle of coolant under your car after it has been parked, it indicates a leak. Have your cooling system inspected by a professional as soon as possible.
2. Clean Your Battery
While cold winter mornings are notorious for draining car batteries, it’s actually the summer heat that can cause the most harm. High temperatures can accelerate chemical activity inside the battery, leading to overcharging and reducing its lifespan. Additionally, extreme heat can cause battery fluids to evaporate, impairing functionality.
To keep your battery healthy, regularly clean and secure it. Detach the battery cables and clean the terminals thoroughly. Ensure that the battery is tightly fastened in place and that all cable connections are snug and free from corrosion. If you suspect your battery is overcharging or struggling to hold a charge, take it to a local service shop for testing.
1. Maintain Your Air Conditioning
Experiencing a malfunctioning air conditioning system on a scorching summer day can be incredibly uncomfortable. One of the primary signs of A/C issues is its inability to deliver air at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) cooler than the outside temperature.
The most common cause of A/C failure is low refrigerant levels, often due to leaks within the system. Given the complexity of modern A/C systems, it’s best to have a professional mechanic examine any problems. After 1994, the use of R-12 refrigerant (Freon) was banned due to its negative environmental impact. If your car was manufactured before this year, you’ll need a licensed technician to handle any R-12 refrigerant in compliance with regulations.
Fortunately, older vehicles can often be retrofitted to use the newer, more environmentally friendly refrigerant, R-134a. Ensure your A/C system is functioning properly before embarking on your summer road trips, as a comfortable cabin temperature is essential for an enjoyable driving experience.