What Maintenance Does Your Car Need in Summer?

June 25, 2020

Prepare for a summer road trip or keep on commuting in comfort with these car maintenance tips. From a simple windshield wiper inspection to a complete AC check, take a look at these critical maintenance steps to avoid a sudden breakdown. Whether you perform them on your own or ask a specialized auto mechanic in Denver, CO, keep your car safe and cool this summer.

Switch To Summer Tires

If you forget to swap out your winter tires, now’s the time. Winter tires offer you maximum traction in the snowy, icy roads around Denver. Once the summer sun melts away all that slippery ice, you need durable summer tires. These specialized tires are harder and capable of handling the intense heat of asphalt in Summer. They have normal tread that is still safe for the hills around your area.

Check for Fluid Leaks

Any extreme temperature change can affect your vehicle. Hoses, connectors and other elements expand and contract throughout the year, so it’s important to have someone perform a leak inspection. Whether you simply look under your vehicle after you stop or swing by a qualified mechanic, a leak check is looking for any of the following fluids:

• Coolant
• Windshield wiper fluid
• Oil
• Gas
• Transmission fluid
• Brake fluid

Don’t let any moisture cause you to panic. Your car’s air conditioner naturally condensates. This dripping liquid is just water and is a normal part of its operation.

Inspect Your AC

Does your air conditioner greet you with an arctic breeze on a summer day or does it feel like your heater in disguise? Air conditioners can experience a number of issues. If you don’t feel cold air or any air at all, then stop by a specialized auto mechanic for an AC test and repair service. This will refresh your cool air and keep you comfortable as you commute across town.

Have Your Battery Tested

A dead battery can ruin any road trip or make you late for work. Even the best car batteries have a limited lifetime, so it’s important to replace yours before it fails. Another potential issue with a battery failure is a dead alternator, so it’s worth stopping by a mechanic to have your battery and electrical system tested this Summer.

Testing and removing your battery on your own can be dangerous if you aren’t familiar with electricity. Once removed, a battery needs to be disposed of safely due to the lead and acid inside it. Enjoy full-service battery testing, removal, disposal, and replacement at a local auto shop.

Top Up Your Radiator Fluid

Summer in Denver can take a toll on your vehicle. Your engine already produces a significant amount of heat, and a high air temperature doesn’t help to cool it down. Your radiator uses an antifreeze and water mixture to allow heat to dissipate. A leak in the system or a lack of fluid can create a dangerous situation.

Check for signs of a leaking radiator and inspect your coolant reservoir. Top it off if needed or stop by a trusted mechanic. Radiator fluid doesn’t typically drain through normal use, so low levels could be a sign of a hidden leak.

Prepare a Summer Emergency Kit

Swap out your winter emergency kit with a few summer essentials. A winter kit may include warm clothes, a shovel, and sand, but these items aren’t going to do much good in Summer. A great summer kit should include the following:

• First aid kit
• Jumper cables
• Coolant
• Premixed coolant
• Spare tire
• Cell phone charger
• Flashlight

Have the number handy for a local mechanic and tow service. You never know when a dead battery, blown tire or engine issue will prevent you from driving home safely.

Test Your Brakes

A failed braking system puts you and everyone around you at risk. Learn to spot the signs of brake damage and stop by a specialized auto mechanic to have your vehicle serviced. Typically brake issues include worn-out brake pads, compromised brake fluid, and a leak in the brake lines.

Worn-out pads make squealing sounds as you press your brake pedal. These pads use a friction material to slow your vehicle. Over time, the material wears out and creates metal-on-metal contact, which isn’t an efficient or safe way to stop your vehicle.

Brake fluid has a higher boiling point than water to prevent it from boiling in your brake lines. This hydraulic system won’t work properly if it becomes too hot or if there is any water in the system, so a squishy brake pedal means it’s time to have a mechanic bleed your brakes.

Finally, a leaking brake line causes brake fluid to leak out of your vehicle. This will cause you to completely lose control of your brakes. Use your emergency brake and contact a tow service immediately to head to a reliable mechanic.

Inspect Your Windshield Wipers

Summer rain around Denver may be a welcomed break from the heat and humidity, but it can be dangerous if you don’t have maintained windshield wipers. Old, inefficient wipers can rub exposed metal against your windshield and create scratches. If your windshield wipers scratch, squeak or operate inefficiently, it’s time to swap them out.

Wipers are designed for your specific make and model of vehicle. They are easy to remove and replace. Simply unlatch your existing wipers and slide on new ones. Try them out before you head out for the day to ensure they are secure and safely wipe away moisture from your windshield.

Stop by Paddock Imports in Denver Toady!

Drive safe this summer in Denver with the help of the best mechanic in Denver. Schedule a service at Paddock Imports to restore your ride. Request a complete inspection service or schedule a maintenance project. Whether you need an oil change, new transmission fluid or replacement brake pads, trust a quality service provider of imported vehicles.

Image Credit: Shutterstock/Standret