Summer is a great time to hit the road and go on an adventure. Whether you are traveling to another state or just hitting up a local campsite, there are plenty of places to go. You may just need your car to go to work and friends’ houses. Either way, the intense heat that comes with the summer months needs to be accounted for. Here are some things to take care of before it gets too hot so you can drive with peace of mind.
Maintenance to Do on Your Own
You can check your car’s tire pressure on your own by using either a personal pressure gauge or a stick gauge from a gas station. When tires are exposed to intense heat, the pressure inside can increase and decrease greatly. Check them regularly to make sure they stay within your car’s range. That range should be on a sticker inside the driver’s door panel. Another important thing to do is check your vehicle’s oil level. In the summer, your engine is hotter, which means it needs sufficient levels of oil to remain lubricated.
Maintenance a Technician Should Do
Right before summer, you want to take your car to a professional to ensure it is in good shape. One thing to ask for is an inspection of the AC. If you are going to be in your car for long periods of time, you want to make sure you have cold air blowing to cool you down. A technician may just need to perform an air conditioning tune-up or just replace the belt.
A technician will also check your battery. A dead battery is the last thing you want to happen when you are away from home. Another common thing to be looked at is the radiator. Over time, this component can develop cracks which lead to fluid leaks. It may also get clogged as time goes on, and a technician can get it running optimally once again.
Things You Want to Keep in Your Vehicle
You never know what might happen out there on the road, so you want to be prepared for anything. During the summer, it is highly recommended you keep a bottle of water in your car at all times. If you get stuck somewhere for a while, you want to remain hydrated. It is also good to keep a first aid kit in your vehicle just in case someone gets hurt. In the event of a collision, you will want to see a medical professional, but for minor issues, a small kit can really come in handy.
As much as you might take care of your tires, it is always possible for one to blow out unexpectedly while driving. Therefore, you want a properly inflated spare tire, especially if you are planning a long road trip. Chances are very good you own a cell phone. In the event you get stranded somewhere and need to call for help, you do not want to risk needing to call someone without having the means to do so. Some other things that can be good to keep in a car for the summer include:
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Nonperishable snacks
- Flashlight
- Jumper cables
- Emergency cash
- Umbrella
- Insulated cooler
- Hand sanitizer or wipes
- Extra clothes and shoes
- Blankets
Most people are able to drive all they want during the summer and not experience any car problems. However, in the event something does happen, you want to be ready and know where you can take your car to get professional maintenance and service. You definitely want to get a checkup before going on a big road trip, but even if you do not have anything like that planned, it is still good to get your vehicle looked at regularly.
