Tips to Get your Car Ready for Summer!
Spring has arrived and summer is just around the corner! It’s a great time to be thinking about the car service needed after surviving the harsh winter and before heading into summer’s hot temperatures. Summer's heat, dust, and stop-and-go traffic are tough on your vehicle, but the effects of last winter could set the stage for a major repair.
Follow these tips to get your car ready for summer:
- Air Conditioning Unit -- Have the system examined by a qualified technician. Newer vehicles have cabin air filters that clean the air entering the heating and air conditioning system.
- Cooling System -- The cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled about every 24 months. Checking it periodically will guard off breakdowns. Also have the tautness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses checked.
- Oil -- Have your oil and oil filter changed as outlined in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. More often if you make frequent short jaunts, extended trips with excessive cargo, or tow a trailer.
- Engine Performance -- Check and replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended. This will need to be done more often if you drive in dusty and dry conditions. Have the engine driveability problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected needed.
- Windshield Wipers -- Check and replace worn blades and fill up the windshield washer reservoir.
- Lights – Replace all burned out light bulbs. Clean the dirt and insects from all lenses.
- Tires -- Have your tires rotated about every 5,000 miles. Check tire pressure, examine tread wear, cupping, and check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. If your vehicle has uneven tread wear or pulls to one side, have the alignment checked. Don't forget to check the spare tire and be sure the jack is in good condition.
- Brakes -- Brakes should be inspected as recommended according to your owner’s manual. However, sooner is better if you are noticing pulsations, grabbing, noises, or a longer stopping distance.
- Battery -- Have the battery checked and serviced. A battery service will include cleaning corrosion from posts and cable connections and tightening all connections. If battery caps are removable, have the fluid level checked.
- Emergency Kit -- Be sure to carry some basic tools in your vehicle in case you get stranded, including, a first aid kit, flares, a flashlight, water, snacks, blanket.
Completing these service tips to get your car ready for summer will guarantee safe and efficient summer driving. Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Auto Service & Repair for more information about our auto repair service and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
Spring has arrived and summer is just around the corner! It’s a great time to be thinking about the car service needed after surviving the harsh winter and before heading into summer’s hot temperatures. Summer's heat, dust, and stop-and-go traffic are tough on your vehicle, but the effects of last winter could set the stage for a major repair.
Follow these tips to get your car ready for summer:
- Air Conditioning Unit -- Have the system examined by a qualified technician. Newer vehicles have cabin air filters that clean the air entering the heating and air conditioning system.
- Cooling System -- The cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled about every 24 months. Checking it periodically will guard off breakdowns. Also have the tautness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses checked.
- Oil -- Have your oil and oil filter changed as outlined in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. More often if you make frequent short jaunts, extended trips with excessive cargo, or tow a trailer.
- Engine Performance -- Check and replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended. This will need to be done more often if you drive in dusty and dry conditions. Have the engine driveability problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected needed.
- Windshield Wipers -- Check and replace worn blades and fill up the windshield washer reservoir.
- Lights – Replace all burned out light bulbs. Clean the dirt and insects from all lenses.
- Tires -- Have your tires rotated about every 5,000 miles. Check tire pressure, examine tread wear, cupping, and check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. If your vehicle has uneven tread wear or pulls to one side, have the alignment checked. Don't forget to check the spare tire and be sure the jack is in good condition.
- Brakes -- Brakes should be inspected as recommended according to your owner’s manual. However, sooner is better if you are noticing pulsations, grabbing, noises, or a longer stopping distance.
- Battery -- Have the battery checked and serviced. A battery service will include cleaning corrosion from posts and cable connections and tightening all connections. If battery caps are removable, have the fluid level checked.
- Emergency Kit -- Be sure to carry some basic tools in your vehicle in case you get stranded, including, a first aid kit, flares, a flashlight, water, snacks, blanket.
Completing these service tips to get your car ready for summer will guarantee safe and efficient summer driving. Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Auto Service & Repair for more information about our auto repair service and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
