During the warm days of summer, you may enjoy tons of different activities. From road trips with friends to family vacations, many of these memorable times require driving your car. The last thing you want is for your car to break down during sweltering heat. Minimize the chances of this happening, and follow these four tips to prep your car for summer.
Inspect And Replace Your Oil And Oil Filter
Check And Replace Oil – There are a lot of mixed opinions on when to change your car's oil. The old guideline was to change it every three months or every 3,000 miles driven. However, your automobile owner's manual may suggest changing your oil every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. Review your manual and consult a local auto shop to get sound advice.
Replacing Oil Filter – YourMechanic.com suggests getting your oil filter replaced every 3,000 miles. There are written and visual tutorials available for do-it-yourself filter changes. You may prefer visiting an experienced technician to do the work so that you do not make a crucial mistake.
Replace Your Car's Air Filter
Check Air Filter – When you air filter is clogged, it can impact your car's acceleration. A torn filter can allow dirt to get into your engine. Check out your filter to see if it needs to be replaced. It may look gray and dusty when it needs changing.
When To Replace – If you cannot tell by checking your filter, use increments of time to determine when it needs to be replaced. You car's air filter should be changed every 15,000 to 30,000 miles that you drive. If you are an infrequent driver, change it every three years.
Replacing Air Filter – There are plenty of do-it-yourself guides for replacing an old air filter. However, you may want to play it safe and have an auto technician do the job. This service is fairly affordable and does not take much time.
Pack An Emergency Kit For Unexpected Mishaps
Even with proper maintenance and car, there is no way to predict when your car will malfunction. Between overheating and automobile accidents, it is best to be prepared at all times. Create an emergency kit for you and your family, and keep it in the trunk of your car. Some ideas for items to keep in this kit include:
a first aid kit
a basic tool kit (pliers, wrench, screwdrivers, etc.)
road flares
a flashlight with spare batteries
bottled water and non-perishable snacks
jumper cables
blankets
Start with these items, and add items you find necessary. Alternatively, can also purchase pre-made emergency roadside assistance kits from numerous online and retail stores.
Get A Professional Inspection
Getting a thorough professional inspection is an ultimate way to have peace of mind during the hot summer months. An auto technician will inspect your car's:
brakes
tires
fluid levels
belts
hoses
wiper blades
steering and suspension
Additionally, an experienced and properly certified technician will spot any repairs or replacements that need to be made. Investing in an inspection before summer comes around is a smart option for safe, responsible drivers.
To learn more, contact a company like Newton Tire Company.
Share25 April 2016
After trying in vain to fix my car for a few months, I realized that I needed to hire a professional. I was tired of dealing with repairs that I was unfamiliar with, and I knew that I needed to get some help. I started looking around for a great auto mechanic, and even though one business was more expensive than others, I decided to work with them. They worked hard to fix my car, and I was really pleased with how great of a job they did. This blog is all about investing in proper auto service so that you don't have to deal with problems in the future.
