Whether you are looking at a day trip or heading out on the long road, it is essential to make sure your car is ready for all that summer is going to throw at it.
A little bit of preemptive care can help any trip go smoothly and avoid the headache of a breakdown.
How to Get Your Vehicle Ready for Summer in North Carolina
Cars can be complicated pieces of engineering, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few maintenance items you can tackle at home. We have compiled a list of some basic car care steps any owner can take, regardless of knowledge level. Upkeep can keep you on the move and save your wallet from more expensive repairs.
Let’s take a look at some key summer car maintenance items, including:
- Battery
- Engine Fluids
- Belts and Hoses
- Exterior Care
- Tires
A lot of things are easy enough to address at home; others may require a mechanic’s help. Either way, you want to catch an issue early before it becomes a problem.
1. Battery Terminal Check
We are going to start out our list by checking a few things under the hood, starting with the battery. Generally, the simplest to locate; you won’t be going anywhere without a good battery. Give it a spot check to ensure the electrical cables are secure and do not show any signs of corrosion.
If you notice build-up around the connectors, a little bit of elbow grease can have them cleaned in no time. First, disconnect the cables! Take a toothbrush and baking soda/water paste and scrub them clean. If you have battery terminal protector spray on hand, give them a coating once dry and then reconnect the cables.
2. Oil, Coolant, and Washer Fluid
Car engines rely on several systems to keep running smoothly and efficiently. Ample clean oil reduces friction and wear on parts in the engine, coolant keeps temperatures in check, and washer fluid makes sure we can see the road. Make sure the reservoirs of all liquids are within filling limits and are the appropriate color.
Dark-colored oil means you need a complete oil change, and a rusty tint to coolant indicates an issue somewhere deeper in the system. You are unlikely to be able to address these in your home garage. So make sure to schedule an appointment with a mechanic.
3. Belts and Hoses
Give a cursory glance over all the belts and hoses throughout the engine while you still have the hood up. Plastic and rubber tubing and drive belts can take a lot of wear, but eventually, they will all begin to break down.
Check for brittle areas, the beginning of cracks, or parts loosening from connections. If anything seems off, take note and get it looked at by a repair shop.
4. Wash and Wax
One of the easiest ways to get your car ready for summer is a good, thorough wash. To prevent corrosion, pay special attention to getting the salt and road grime build-up out from the undercarriage.
And don’t skimp on wax. Protective polishes aren’t just there to make your car shine; they help protect against the elements keeping your paint in good condition for much longer.
5. Windshield Wipers
The rubber on windshield wipers degrades naturally over time from use and weather. No season is harsher on them than winter, with its freezing temperatures.
With spring and summer comes rain and storms. Windshield wipers that aren’t up to the task can be a significant safety hazard and, if dry or chipped badly enough, can start to scratch windshields.
If you see any deterioration along the blade, go ahead and swap it out. Changing blades is easy enough to do at home; just follow the instructions that come with the new blade.
6. Tires
If you have put on winter-specific tires, now is the time to put on a set for warmer weather. For the rest of us, it is an excellent time to check that the tire pressure is within the manufacturer's recommended levels and top up if needed.
You can usually find the recommended PSI in your owner's manual. Tire gauges typically run about $2, and for those without an air compressor, you can refill at the gas station.
While you’re checking each tire's PSI, give a quick look at the tread. Two quick ways to verify if you don’t have sufficient grip is if wear bars in the tread are flush or you can’t see all of Lincoln’s head if you insert a penny. In either instance, you don’t have adequate tread left and need a new set of tires.
And don’t just check one area of the tire. Check both sides and the middle of the tread. If there is a significant difference in the level of wear, you may need to get your car realigned.
7. Test the AC
Before it gets too hot out, make sure to take a test drive with the AC running. You don’t want to find out too late that there is an issue.
If you notice a reduction in the cooling capacity or excessive noise coming off of the fan, it is time to get it to the shop. AC fixes are usually quick and relatively inexpensive, whether you just need a refrigerant top off, filter change, or a new motor.
Summer Tune-Up by a Mechanic
If you notice more significant concerns while doing your summer car care, turn to an automotive shop that you can trust. For Goldsboro, North Carolina, there is no shop you can depend on more than Retro Lube.
Locally owned and operated, we provide the following services that can help get your vehicle in shape for a summer of fun.
- Full-Service Oil Changes
- Air Conditioning System Check and Repair
- Tire Rotations
- Wiper Blade Change and motor Repair
And that is just the tip of the iceberg. Our technicians are highly trained and qualified to work on all makes and models, whatever your service needs may be. Let us help keep your vehicle running better and longer.
We are open Monday through Saturday, so contact us to schedule your car’s summer check-up.