Most drivers understand the dangers that lurk with winter, but summertime has plenty of risks too. It’s the busiest driving time of the year, and with more people on the road, you’re looking at additional hazards. Make sure your car is ready to handle everything summer throws at it by doing these maintenance tasks:
Check A/C System
Most of us love blasting our A/C throughout the summer. The last thing you want is your car’s A/C system to malfunction in the middle of a hot summer day. To prevent this from happening, it’s recommended to have your air conditioning system checked out. Many auto repair shops do this at no charge or for a very nominal fee.
Check Coolant Levels
Make sure your car has a proper amount of coolant. Your car’s coolant is responsible for making sure that the engine does not overheat. Not having enough coolant can damage your engine and cost you thousands of dollars to repair. It’s always cheaper to fill your car with coolant.
Check Your Brakes
Regardless of the season you’re driving in, you should always have brakes that are in good working order since they are the most important safety feature of your car. Worn-out brake pads produce metal on metal grinding, which will eventually damage the rotors. Metal on metal grinding also causes excessive heat, which can warp or even crack your rotors. The simple step of checking and performing preventative maintenance saves you money on costly brake repairs.
Replace Wiper Blades
Rubber wiper blades naturally deteriorate over time. If your windshield wipers streak or fail to clear the windshield thoroughly, that means it’s time to replace them. Replacing them is important because deficient wiper blades impair your driving visibility and can lead to an accident. Replacing wiper blades is generally cheap and easy to do, so there’s no need to delay doing it.
Check Belts and Hoses
Your car is equipped with reinforced rubber drive belts that power the engine water pump and accessories. Since rubber expands in hot weather and shrinks in cold weather, it’s common for them to crack, glaze, or fray. As a general rule, you should have your hoses and belts replaced every 60,000 miles.
Get Your Car Ready for the Summer
Thunderbird Auto is here to help get your car ready for the summer! Hot Arizona weather can wreak havoc on your car. Bring your car into our Surprise, AZ auto repair shop today to ensure that it’s prepared to handle the heat. Click here to schedule an appointment.
