Longer days and warmer nights mean summer road trips and busy driving season are right around the corner. Before you hit the road, it’s worth taking a little time to get your car ready for summer. A few preventive checks now can save you from a mechanical headache later. Here’s what to focus on.
Check Your Air Conditioning Before You Need It
Nothing ruins a summer drive faster than losing your air conditioning on the hottest day of the year. Before that happens, inspect your AC system’s belt for cracks, fraying, or excessive wear. This belt drives the compressor, and if it fails, your AC stops working entirely. Most modern vehicles use a single serpentine belt that also runs other components, so a quick visual check under the hood covers a lot of ground at once.
While you’re in there, take a look at the condenser too. It sits in front of your radiator and looks similar to one. Check the fins for dirt, leaves, or debris. When air can move freely through the condenser, your refrigerant cools more efficiently, and your AC works the way it should all summer long.
Give Your Tires and Cooling System Some Attention
Rotate your tires roughly every 5,000 miles, and check tire pressure at least once a month. Check pressure when your tires are cold, ideally before you’ve driven any real distance, since heat from driving can throw off the reading. Don’t forget your spare tire, and make sure your jack is in working condition too. While you’re checking pressure, look over your tread for uneven wear or cupping, and inspect the sidewalls for cuts or nicks.
Cooling system failure is still one of the most common causes of summer breakdowns. Older vehicles with conventional green coolant typically need a full flush every two years or around 30,000 miles. Many modern cars now use extended-life OAT or HOAT coolant, which can last up to five years or 100,000 miles before it needs replacing. Check your owner’s manual to know your vehicle’s actual interval, and inspect your coolant level and condition periodically in the meantime. Whatever coolant you use, your system should typically run a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water.
Small Steps Now Prevent Big Problems Later
Summer heat is tough on every part of your car, from rubber seals to fluids to belts. Getting your car ready for summer doesn’t require a full overhaul. A quick check of your AC, tires, and cooling system covers most of what tends to fail once temperatures climb.
Staying on top of these basics now means fewer surprises later, whether you’re commuting daily or planning a longer road trip. A little maintenance goes a long way toward keeping your summer plans on track instead of stuck on the side of the road.
Getting your car ready for summer is only part of being prepared for the season ahead. Make sure you also have the right auto insurance in place before you hit the road. The Specialists at AIS Insurance can help you find low rates with top companies. Give us a call at (888) 772-4247 for a free, personalized quote.
The information in this article is obtained from various sources and offered for educational purposes only. Furthermore, it should not replace the advice of a qualified professional. The definitions, terms, and coverage in a given policy may be different than those suggested here. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.