Summer Maintenance Tips

Summer Road Trip Car Prep Checklist

When it comes to getting your car ready for the summer, you have to think of everything. That’s because the summer months can put some serious strain on your vehicle. Here’s a look at the six top tips that you should follow.

1. Check out your tires

During the summer, the heat can cause stress on the tires. Have your tires inspected to ensure that no cracks have developed during the winter. Also, be sure to check the treadwear. Finally, have the tire pressure checked.

2. Make sure your vehicle’s A/C is ready to go

The summer months can get hot in Washington state. Therefore, you will want to have your A/C system inspected and serviced. That includes a refrigerant flush and a visual inspection of the mainline.

3. Have the cooling system checked

You don’t want to get stuck on the side of the road with an overheated vehicle. Therefore, you will want to have the coolant system completely checked out. Make sure that your vehicle has enough radiator flush and be sure to check the temperature of the vehicle while it is on the road.

4. Make sure the vehicle’s lights are in top shape

You don’t want to head on a road trip with less than reliable lights. Be sure to check the headlights, the taillights as well as the fog lights. Make sure that the brake lights are working properly.

5. Have the battery checked

If you have not had the battery checked, now is the time to get that done. You should have the battery itself checked as well as the battery terminals. Be sure to check to see if the lights are dimming around the vehicle. Dim light is a symptom of an old or dying battery.

6. Check the engine

Finally, you will want to have the engine checked out. Be sure to check everything from the cabin and air filters to the PCV valve and the spark plugs.