Top Summer Car Maintenance Tips for a Smooth Road Trip

Summer adventures often involve long drives and exploring new places with friends. To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, proper vehicle maintenance is essential. The scorching heat, dust, and debris can take a toll on your car's performance.

Here’s how to prepare and maintain your vehicle for the summer season:

• Inspect your engine oil

Temperature fluctuations can impact your car’s oil and filters. Ensure your gas tank is sufficiently filled for optimal engine operation. Regularly change your oil filters to prevent dirt and debris from contaminating the oil, which can reduce engine efficiency.

Complete vehicle servicing is crucial after winter, which can cause damage to brakes, the engine, and the exterior. Thoroughly clean both inside and outside of your car, paying special attention to floor mats, often dirtied by winter conditions.

Adding a fresh wax coat also helps protect your paint from chips and scratches.

• Regularly check your tires

Maintaining correct tire pressure is vital, especially during extreme weather. Over or under-inflated tires can wear out quickly or cause handling issues. Before embarking on your summer trip, ensure your tires are properly inflated to avoid uneven wear and improve safety.

• Examine the engine bay

Every few weeks, open your car hood to inspect for cracks, leaks, or other irregularities. Make sure fluid levels — including oil, coolant, power steering, and brake fluid — are adequate. Top up any low fluids to keep your vehicle running smoothly.

• Prepare an emergency kit

Having an emergency kit in your car is a must. Include essentials like a basic tool kit, flashlight, extra charger, first aid supplies, and energy bars. This preparedness can be a lifesaver if your vehicle unexpectedly breaks down far from help.

• Test your car battery

The intense summer heat can shorten your battery’s lifespan. Before long trips, get your battery tested and replaced if necessary to prevent unexpected breakdowns.

• Keep the air conditioning in check

If your AC system hasn't been serviced recently, now is the perfect time. A malfunctioning AC can leak harmful Freon gases and affects cabin comfort. Use your AC steadily without sudden switches to prevent damage and stay cool during your journey.

Taking these simple yet effective steps ensures your vehicle remains in top shape, so you can enjoy a worry-free summer road trip.