Summer-ize Your Vehicle

When summer rolls around, it often means warmer days and more travel. Whether you’re heading out on a cross country road trip or just over to your local pool, you want to make sure that your vehicle is prepared for everything the season throws at it. Here’s a list of a few things you can do to beat the heat and stay on the go:

• Check your antifreeze/coolant levels and condition, and keep an eye on your engine temperature gauge.
• Replace worn and cracked belts to keep the compressor on your A/C working and your vehicle cool.
• Change over to summer or all-season tires, and make sure they’re properly inflated to save money and prevent wear when you travel.
• Check your brakes frequently. Hot weather heats up the brake system, which causes brake pads to wear more quickly. Make sure yours are in top condition.
• High temperatures can wear out your vehicle’s battery, so test yours and replace it if it’s weak or old.
• If you’re towing a boat, camper, trailer or anything in between, make sure your vehicle is properly equipped for the haul, and make sure that all signals and brake lights on the load you’re towing are working.

We take for granted that our vehicles work the same way under all conditions, but what is considered summer fun for us can be hard on your mode of transportation. Give everything a good once-over as the season begins to make sure you keep the party going all summer long.