Most people are aware that the cold winter season can take a toll on their vehicle. Fewer, however, appreciate the threat that the summer months can often pose. If you’re not careful, the climbing temperatures could have a lasting negative impact on your ride. To avoid any potential warm weather-related vehicle issues, follow these top tips on caring for your car in the summer.
Make Sure That Your Coolant System Is Up To Snuff
One of the most important things you can do to keep your car running smoothly this summer is to make sure your coolant system works properly. Aside from ensuring that there is enough coolant fluid in your vehicle, you should also take some time to inspect the rest of the coolant system. For example, you should take a closer look at the coolant reservoir and hoses to make sure there aren’t any cracks, leaks, or other signs of wear and tear.
Check, Change, and Refill Your Transmission Fluid
Overheating is the leading cause of transmission problems and total transmission failure. In the summer, the risk of overheating is even greater. To avoid experiencing issues with one of your vehicle’s most expensive components, it’s crucial to check your transmission fluid periodically. If the fluid appears discolored, smells burnt, or has particles floating in it, you should change it immediately. If the fluid appears to be in good quality but does not reach the fill line, you should simply refill the fluid to the appropriate level. In addition, you should also keep an eye out for any other signs that your transmission fluid is low such as strange noises or shifting problems.
Change Your Air Filter
Another tip on caring for your car in the summer is to change your air filter. Throughout the spring, pollen, leaves, and other debris in the air can clog up your vehicle’s air filter. To prevent any harmful contaminants from entering your vehicle, you should check and change your car’s air filter in accordance with the recommended maintenance schedule in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Avoid Parking in Direct Sunlight
If possible, you should also try to avoid parking your car in direct sunlight to keep it in good condition during the summer. When parking in direct sunlight on a hot sunny day, your car can reach extremely high temperatures. As a result, damage can occur to both interior components as well as your paint job. To keep your car in tip top shape, try to park it in shaded locations such as in a garage or under a tree whenever possible.
