14 Tips for Summer and Winter Car Maintenance
Temperature and climate can have a big impact on your car. Winter can bring sub-freezing temperatures, and summer can bring extreme heat. Depending on where you live, these seasons may be more intense than others.
Proper car maintenance is essential to ensure the reliability of your car and the safety of you and your passengers. Plus, it can help extend the life of your vehicle and reduce the costs associated with ownership. In this article, we will share some important tips to make your summer and winter travels go smoothly.
Summer Car Maintenance Tips
1) Check your tire pressure
During the summer, your car’s tires can become over-inflated due to the heat. This can lead to reduced traction and increased fuel consumption. To prevent this, use a proper tire pressure gauge regularly and adjust the pressure if necessary.
In addition, check for any signs of wear that need to be addressed. Be sure to replace any tires that show signs of excessive wear or damage.
2) Change the Oil and Filter
The summer months can put a strain on your car’s engine. To keep it running smoothly, change your oil and oil filter regularly. Have a mechanic check the oil level and the condition of your oil filter to make sure they are in good condition.
3) Clean and Test the Battery
Summer shortens the lifespan of your car battery because too much heat can overcharge it. Corrosion also occurs more frequently.
The best way to protect your battery in the summer is to regularly clean the battery terminals and connectors. Additionally, test your battery frequently to make sure it will actually start your vehicle when you need it to.
4) Inspect your brakes and belts
High temperatures can cause brakes and belts to wear out faster. Inspect them regularly and replace any worn or damaged parts. Also check for signs of excessive wear and damage.
5) Check the coolant level
High temperatures can cause your vehicle’s coolant level to drop. Check your coolant level regularly and top off as needed. Also, have a mechanic check the cooling system for leaks and other issues.
6) Check your windshield wipers and fluid levels
Check the condition of your windshield wipers regularly. Replace worn or damaged windshield wipers to ensure they work properly. How often you need to replace your windshield wipers will depend on where you live in the country and the quality of your windshield wiper blades.
Always use the correct size wiper blade for your vehicle and make sure there is enough wiper fluid in the container.
7) Air Conditioning Maintenance
Before summer arrives, check that your air conditioner is working properly. It would be a shame to leave your air conditioner inactive during the hot summer days. This can make driving very uncomfortable.
Winter Car Maintenance Tips
To ensure your car survives the winter, you need to follow these tips: Reduce the risk of getting caught in a snowstorm or having poor visibility due to bad weather.
1) Check your tire pressure
During the cold winter months, your car’s tires may become underinflated, resulting in reduced traction and increased fuel consumption. To prevent this, check your tire pressure regularly and adjust it if necessary. Additionally, check for signs of wear that need to be addressed. Be sure to replace any tires that show signs of excessive wear or damage.
2) Keep your gas tank full
If your gas tank is nearly empty, water can accumulate inside the fuel tank. If it’s cold outside, this water can freeze. To prevent this, try to keep your gas tank at least half full. It’s also a good idea to keep a full tank of gas in case you get stranded in bad weather or some other emergency.
3) Check your wiper and windshield washer fluid.
Winter storms are often windy and can blow a lot of dirt onto your windshield. To remove the dirt, it’s important to fill your car with windshield washer fluid. And of course, make sure your windshield wipers are strong enough for the cold winter.
4) Put on your winter tires.
If you have dedicated winter tires, be sure to put them on before the cold weather sets in. If you don’t have one and snow and ice fall frequently in your area, you should seriously consider investing in one. Winter tires provide better traction on snow and ice, helping you to get through the winter months safer.
5) Check your battery
Cold weather can cause your car battery to lose charge faster. Check your battery regularly to ensure it is working properly. If your battery is more than three years old, it should be replaced to ensure it is in optimal working condition and doesn’t leave you stranded at an unprepared moment.
6) Check the heating and defrost systems
During the winter months, it’s important to make sure your vehicle’s heating and defrost systems are working properly. Check your coolant levels and make sure your heater core isn’t leaking. Also, check the condition of your windshield wipers and make sure they’re working properly.
7) Check the lights
Check all of your car’s lights regularly to make sure they’re working properly. This is especially important during the winter months when visibility is limited. Don’t forget to replace any burned out or damaged bulbs.
