Summer Maintenance Tips for Vehicles
After enduring the challenging conditions of winter, it's crucial for vehicles to undergo thorough summer maintenance to ensure both performance and road safety. Vehicles that have weathered harsh seasons should undergo detailed summer maintenance, including tire and brake system checks, fuel and air filter replacements, wheel alignment, battery inspection, air conditioning service, and oil change.
So, how should you go about summer maintenance for your vehicles?
Tire Inspection and Replacement
Due to rain and snowfall during the winter months, your vehicle's tires may have suffered deformations. Some tires are not designed to withstand high temperatures during the summer and can crack or wear out quickly due to friction on asphalt roads. Using winter tires in hot weather will not provide the same level of performance as summer tires and can reduce the lifespan of your tires. Therefore, all tires, including spare ones, should be inspected during the summer months, and if necessary, replaced with summer tires before embarking on long journeys.
Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment ensures that when you turn the steering wheel in any direction, the wheels also point in the same direction. Balancing ensures that the angles and orientations of the vehicle's wheels are equal. To maintain control over your vehicle during long trips, it's essential to have your vehicle's wheel alignment adjusted. If you experience pulling to the right or left or steering wheel vibrations when driving at high speeds, you should definitely have your vehicle's wheel alignment checked and adjusted.
Brake System
The brake system is the most critical safety mechanism of a vehicle. Just like in any other maintenance routine, brakes and brake pads should be inspected during summer maintenance. A faulty brake adjustment can exert excessive pressure on the brake pads, leading to rapid tire wear and potentially preventing your vehicle from stopping effectively. Brake fluid levels should be within the specified range, and worn-out brake pads must be replaced. Remember that brake systems provide safety on par with seatbelts, protecting you from potential accidents.
Engine Oil
Ensure that the engine oil of your vehicle is checked and changed if necessary. Even if the mileage interval for an oil change hasn't been reached, monitor the oil level for any signs of decrease. If there is a decrease in oil levels, consult a professional service center to investigate the cause. Always keep spare engine oil in your vehicle in case of an oil level drop.
Battery Maintenance and Inspection
Before embarking on long summer journeys, it's crucial to perform battery maintenance to avoid any issues during your trip. You can have your battery inspected when you schedule your summer maintenance. If you plan to replace the battery yourself, be sure to wear special gloves and goggles, as battery fluid is acidic and can harm your skin. Use a wire brush to clean the battery terminals and cable ends, and check the liquid level inside the battery. If the level is low, add distilled water.
Filter Replacement
Filters, including air, fuel, and cabin air filters, should be regularly checked and replaced when necessary, not just during summer or winter but throughout the year. With rising temperatures in summer, the engine requires more cooling. Clean air filters are particularly crucial because clogged or dirty filters can lead to engine issues due to insufficient airflow. Additionally, dirty filters can increase fuel consumption by approximately 15%. Therefore, replacing the air filter when transitioning from winter to summer is essential.
Air Conditioning
In summer, especially when temperatures soar, vehicle air conditioners are used more frequently. Therefore, it's essential to inspect your vehicle's air conditioning system as a top priority during summer maintenance. A neglected cabin air filter can hinder the efficient operation of the air conditioner, particularly if it becomes contaminated with exhaust fumes and airborne pollutants. Therefore, check the cabin air filter when summer arrives, and replace it if necessary.
Radiator
Although a vehicle's radiator typically requires coolant replacement every two years, it's essential to include radiator maintenance as part of your summer maintenance routine. With increased summer travel, ensure your radiator undergoes maintenance at the beginning of summer.
Performing these technical maintenance tasks will not only provide you with a comfortable and safe driving experience during the summer months but also enhance the resale value of your vehicle. Remember, periodic maintenance is crucial for safe and trouble-free driving.
