Trees are in full leaf, butterflies are fluttering, and grasshoppers are chirping—summer has arrived. It’s time for road trips, sunny beach days, and fun family visits.
While you’re ready for summer adventure, is your car too? The heat, long drives, and extra mileage can really test your vehicle.
A small issue left unchecked can turn into a big headache on the road. Of course, you wouldn’t want to be stranded on the side of the road in flip-flops and a car full of cranky passengers.
So, before you hit the road, give your car a quick check. Trust us, this can save you a lot of stress and tow truck bills.
Here, we’ll share a few car maintenance tips that can help keep your summer fun on cruise control.
Give Your Tires a Once-Over
The blazing sun and sizzling roads make the air inside your tires expand. For every 10°F rise in temperature, the pressure inside your tires can go up by about 1 PSI (pound per square inch). This extra pressure can cause a tire blowout.
It’s not just theory. Recently, Brad Keselowski’s bid for a top-10 finish at the AdventHealth 400 was cut short due to a crash caused by a tire blowout.
To know how much air your car’s tires need, look for a sticker on the driver’s side door jamb. It will show a number, often something like “35 PSI.” That’s your target.
Good tire tread helps with safe braking and keeps your car handling smoothly. So, check it, too.
Grab a penny and place it with Lincoln’s head pointing down into one of the main tread grooves. If you can see all of Honest Abe’s head, your tread is likely worn down to 2/32 of an inch or less. If part of his head is covered, your tread is still in good shape. But if not, you need good tires as a replacement.
Replace Worn Wiper Blades
You might not encounter as much rain in summer. But summer dust, layers of pollen, and those unavoidable bug splatters can quickly turn your windshield into a blurry mess.
Worn wipers won’t be as effective in clearing summer grime. This is not just annoying. It can compromise your ability to see and react to sudden, unpredictable hazards.
If your wipers are leaving streaks, making a chattering sound, or squeaking, the rubber is likely worn or damaged. So, it’s time for a new pair.
Replacing wiper blades is especially important if you’re traveling to the St. Louis region. KSDK reports that dust and smoke are likely to settle in the region’s sky for the next week due to the wildfire.
Good wipers can help maintain visibility through haze and grime, keeping you safer on the road.
Should you still be involved in an accident because of another driver’s negligence, a car accident lawyer in St. Louis can help you deal with the aftermath.
TorHoerman Law states that Missouri follows a comparative negligence system, wherein your compensation is reduced if you’re partially at fault for the accident. An experienced attorney can help prove your car maintenance was up-to-date and advocate for your fair share of compensation.
Check and Replenish Oil and Other Fluids
Your car relies on several fluids to run smoothly. High summer temperatures push these fluids to their limits, causing them to function more intensively. You must always check them before you begin your trip.
Summer heat can cause oil to thin out or oxidize more quickly, which means it doesn’t protect your engine as well.
Use a dipstick to check engine oil. Its level should be between ‘min’ and ‘max’ or ‘low’ and ‘high’ marks. Good, healthy oil is typically an amber or light brown color. If it looks very dark, gritty, or milky, it’s definitely time for an oil change.
Coolant helps prevent the car from overheating. Check the coolant when the engine is cool. Ideally, it should be somewhere between the ‘F’ and ‘L’ lines. Top it up if it’s low.
Summer adventures mean beautiful views. But they can also mean bugs, dust, and those surprising pop-up rain showers. Make sure to top up your windshield washer fluid. That way, you can always keep your windshield clear for safe driving.
Don’t use plain water, as it can grow algae or leave deposits that clog the spray nozzles.
Taking a little time for these simple checks can save you a lot of potential trouble on the road.
When your car is happy and healthy, you can hit the road with a lot more confidence and peace of mind.
You can focus on the fun, enjoy the beautiful views, and get busy making those amazing summer memories. That is because you know you know your vehicle is ready for whatever the road brings.
