Car Repair Tips for the Summer Months

Dec 2
06:38

2011

Andrea Avery

Andrea Avery

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Summer is definitely not the time to neglect car repair. Here are some important things you should be paying attention to when you drive in the warmer months of the year.

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Do you know how to take care of your vehicle in the summer? You may know that you need better antifreeze and tires in the winter,Car Repair Tips for the Summer Months Articles but the summer is an excellent time to pay attention to car repair tasks as well. In fact, some of them are best performed in the summer. Here are some things to watch for in the summer months.

Oil Changes

Do you drive more often in the summer? If you do, pay attention to the odometer. You need to have your oil changed every 3,000 miles or three months, whichever comes first. This means it will need to be done at least once during the summer months. If you find that your vehicle is burning or leaking oil, make sure you check your levels every other time you fill up, and carry a quart with you to ensure you can top if off when needed.

Temperatures

Pay attention to keeping your radiator filled in the summer. While you do not have to use antifreeze, necessarily, it needs to be filled at least with water. To avoid problems when winter comes, continue using antifreeze. Remember, when it is 90 degrees outside, your engine is even hotter. Watch your temperature gauge, and take your vehicle in for a checkup if you notice it regularly getting too hot.

Air Filter

The summer is a great time to make sure your air filter is not clogged. If it is, have it replaced. A clogged air filter will impact the performance of your engine. When you are driving a lot in the summer, you want to make sure your engine is running at top speed.

Battery

You can do little to check your battery, because they are now sealed units. However, the summer is a great time to have it in to the car repair shop to have it checked, you should do this once per year, and if you have not had it done, summer is a good time to do so.

Tires

You also need to pay attention to your tires in the summer. Make sure they are filled properly, because incorrect tire pressure will impact gas mileage and also safety on the road. Have them balanced and rotated during the summer as well to keep your car running at its best and give your tires the longest life possible.

Remember, the carefree days of summer are not the time to neglect car repair and maintenance. Your car needs your best attention all throughout the year, especially in summer months when you will be using it more. So keep up with your regular maintained schedule, make sure your vehicle is ready to run at its best, and enjoy a summer filled with long drives and family vacations without worry for your vehicle.