Summer Car Care Tips

Summer is here and your plans call for the almost constant use of your automobile. Some basic maintenance and upkeep will make for a safer summer and save you money on repairs, maintenance and fuel costs.MaintenanceCheck your tires. Examine the tread. Excessively worn tires should be replaced immediately. Next, use a pressure gauge and ensure that the tires are inflated to the level recommended in your owner's manual. Don’t forget that the correct pressure indicated in the manual is for tires that are cool. Driving in the summer heat increases the pressure in tires. Testing after even a short drive will yield a false reading, so test the pressure before starting out. Don't forget that you have five tires, that is, be sure check your spare as well.Good treads and proper inflation are imperative for several reasons as they lower the chance of blowouts and of hydroplaning in wet weather. In addition, proper inflation lengthens the life of the tire and decreases overall fuel costs.Check the essentials. The single most important task that needs to be performed on an engine is regular oil changes. Most mechanics still recommend a complete oil change every 3,000 miles. With the recent advances in synthetic oils, new cars can last as long as 7,500 miles between oil changes. Refer to the owner’s manual for the most accurate info.Other fluids that should be periodically checked are brake fluid, power steering fluid and window washer fluid. It also wouldn’t hurt to change the windshield wipers at the beginning of the season as summer rainstorms can be particularly heavy. Lastly, take a minute to ensure that all brake, signal and other lights are functioning.Have a mechanic take a quick look at the vehicle. Just by listening and watching, a decent mechanic can tell if your new vehicle needs a tune-up. Tune-ups are fairly inexpensive and will repay the cost in fuel savings. At this time, also have the mechanic check the brakes.InteriorKeep it clean. Foods spoil quickly in an enclosed space that is being heated by the summer sun. Plastic items melt and unopened containers can burst causing an unsightly mess and leaving a sticky, smelly residue.Empty the trunk of all non-essential items. Carrying a fully laden toolbox or your weight set will cost you money in extra fuel. Put them in the garage, if you are not going to use them on the trip.Bad things happen to good people, so get an emergency kit. The bare minimum includes safety cones, a hand-cranked flashlight, booster cables, an air compressor and a first aid kit. Storing a few extra blankets, water and a few snacks in a bag in the trunk is highly recommended.ExteriorAgain, keep it clean. If you go to the beach or even just drive by the ocean, be sure to rinse off any sea spray that may have doused your vehicle. The same is true of bugs, bird droppings and any other detritus that clings to the finish of your car. Wash it off before the summer sun permanently sears it into the finish. After a day of four-wheeling, be sure rinse off the mud or the next downpour may dangerously limit your visibility as it covers your windshield in dirt and grass.All of these tips are easily accomplished and fairly inexpensive to perform. Take the time to do them and you will enjoy a far safer and less costly summertime.