Summer Vehicle Maintenance Checklist | OK Carz

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Tips for Getting Your Car Ready for Summer

Summer is right around the corner. While you may be ready to enjoy the weather, your car might not be. Whether you are due for regular vehicle maintenance or you need to check some parts that aren’t as common, here’s our summer vehicle maintenance checklist so you know your car is ready for summer.

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Get an Oil Change

Oil changes should already be getting done frequently, but they are even more important during the hot summer months. Why is this? Intense heat can make your oil thinner and break down sooner. Thin, broken down oil doesn’t lubricate the engine as well as it should and can lead to metal-on-metal contact, which will eventually lead to damage.

Car driving on a road in the summer with a person's hand out of the window

Flush and Fill the Coolant

One of the most common reasons for engine breakdowns during the summer is due to overheating engines. To help prevent this, your vehicle needs to have enough coolant to cool itself off. If your coolant levels are low, fill it up. If you haven’t had a coolant flush in over a year, get it flushed first before filling. Like oil, coolant can break down over time and won’t be as effective if too old.

Test your A/C Unit

The last thing you want is to be driving during one of the hottest days of the summer and not have a functioning A/C unit. Check to see if your A/C is blowing cold air or not. If it isn’t as cold as you’d expect, take it in to a mechanic and have them inspect it.

Check Hoses and Belts

The next time you visit a mechanic, have them check your hoses and belts. Heat can make issues such as cracks and leaks worse. If not addressed quickly enough, your car may break down. Of course, it’s ideal to have your hoses and belts checked before summer arrives.

Check your Tire Tread and Pressure

Over time, the tread on your tires will decrease with use. Before you take that big summer road trip, make sure you have plenty of tread with the quarter test. Also, check your tire pressure so that it meets the proper pressure indicated in your owner’s manual. Tires can gain or lose 1 PSI for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit, decreasing in the cold and increasing in the heat.

[ Get More Vehicle Maintenance Tips at the OKCarz Blog ]

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