How to Get Your Car Ready for Summer

Summer is a time when people love to go, go, go, so how can you get your car ready for those summer road trips and activities? The following are a few tips for how to get your car ready for summer:

Charge the air conditioner. One of the worst parts about driving in summer is that your car gets pretty warm. So, if you want to get your car ready for summer, make sure your air conditioner is at its best. You can do this by taking it in and having it serviced. Sometimes all it takes to get a really cool air conditioner is to charge it with Freon. A good charge and your car should stay cool all summer, unless there is a leak of some kind.

Check your tire pressure. Changes in temperature will change the air in your tires. If your tires are not inflated properly, it can lead to improper wear, as well as poor gas mileage, etc. So, one of the things you can do to get your car ready for summer is take your car in and have the tires rotated and balanced so that everything is at the ideal inflation. Then, every few weeks, use a gauge to check the pressure.

Put in a thicker viscosity oil. Oil runs thinner when it is hot, so to make sure your car has a thicker viscosity oil so that everything in your engine is properly lubricated and ready for the warm weather. If you take your vehicle in for oil changes, ask for a thicker viscosity oil to be put in it at the place, or at the very least check that you are getting the recommended grade of oil for your vehicle and weather conditions.

Inspect fluids, wipers, etc. One of the things you have to do to prepare your car for summer is check all of your fluids. Make sure your radiator has enough fluid, that your windshield washing fluid is full, and that your wipers are in good condition. It tends to rain more in summer, and driving with wipers that do not do a good job can be dangerous.

Stock your car with summer essentials: If you know the kinds of activities you do in the summer, why not get your car ready for them? A can of sunscreen. A case of water bottles. An extra towel. A few fun snacks. These types of things not only come in handy during the summer, but can make summer driving much better. So, get your car ready by thinking beyond the mechanics, and thinking about the uses of your car.

If you are worried about your car being ready for the summer, then talk to your mechanic about what they feel you could do. You may need to do things like remove chains, or change out of your snow tires.