While it’s easy to find guides for winterizing your vehicle in fall; but what about getting your car ready for summer? The hot temperatures can take a toll on your vehicle, which is why it’s so important that you get it ready.
The Tires
The tires are one of the most important parts of your vehicle. They have a significant impact on safety and performance. Even more important, these are one of the few components on your vehicle that may kill you if you ignore them.
An underinflated or worn set of tires is detrimental to your ability to brake safely. It can also impact your vehicle’s handling on the road. If your tires aren’t in good condition, they can lead to blow-outs and other problems.
If you own dedicated summer or winter tires, make sure to inspect both sets as you change them for the season. Even if you use all-season tires on your vehicle, look for visible wear bars, uneven wear, or bubbles on the sidewalls. If you notice any of these issues, it’s best to replace the tire. While checking your tires, make sure to check the spare for proper inflation.
Check the Brakes
Winter traffic is usually slower than summer traffic. During this time, your brakes are going to be used – a lot. Your brake pads may suffer from extreme thermal cycling – massive temperature changes because of the high heat of use combined with deep puddles or freezing water.
Rotating your tires often will help with the brake inspection. If you are more technically inclined, you can remove the brake pads, too, and see if there are any signs of cracking or wear. If not, be sure the edges don’t look discolored or like they have begun to crumble. If you notice anything unusual, it’s a good idea to take your car to a mechanic for a full brake check-up.
Wash Your Car
Winter will take a huge toll on every part of your vehicle. Everything from the engine to the brake lines will be blasted by a constant barrage of sand, water, ice, salt, and filth. Your interior may get filled with dirt and grime, too. Now is the time to clean things up and wash that winter layer of grime away.
Make sure to use high-quality cleansers along with a high-pressure source of water on the exterior to get rid of trapped sand and salt. Make sure you hit the underbody and wheel wells, too. Clean all the junk out of the trunk and remove trash from the inside. You and your vehicle will feel better when you are done.
If you want to ensure your vehicle is summer-ready, keep the tips and information here in mind. They provide general guidelines about what you need to do to ensure your car is clean and that it is safe to drive. Being informed and knowing what to do is the best way to keep your car clean, safe, and to minimize issues.