Summertime heat in Pennsylvania can be a sweet relief from the cold winters. To keep you, your family or your freight safe on the road as temperatures rise, seasonal vehicle maintenance can serve as protection.
Just as you’d apply sunscreen to prevent from sunburn or skin cancer, there are preventative measures you can take to service your car to preserve both its life and yours. This includes checking tires and fluid levels and keeping your air conditioner in check.
Tire inflation
No matter how many wheels it takes to move your vehicle, under inflation, combined with summer heat can lead to a dangerous tire blowout. Not only should you regularly monitor your tire pressure, but you should also take careful steps if you suspect a tire blowout. The best thing to do is to not take any sudden actions. Instead, try and slowly let your vehicle come to a stop by steering straight with small movements, gently pressing the gas pedal and breaking once you have dropped down to 20 mph.
Fluids levels
In any season, vehicle owners should monitor motor oil, coolant, brake fluid and washer fluid levels. Getting regular maintenance in the summer is important, because if your coolant isn’t at a proper level and the weather is warm, then your engine can overheat.
Not only could an overheated engine lead to costly repairs, but the steam coming from your hood could pose as a distraction to you or drivers around you. If you notice steam from your hood, it’s best to pull over as safely and quickly as possible, shut off your car and not check on the engine until it has fully cooled down.
Temperature control
Whether you’re taking a short trip or a road trip, you shouldn’t delay servicing your air conditioner. Hotter temps increase the likelihood of fatigue or dehydration, which can lead to unfocused and unsafe driving. In case of any sort of sudden breakdown, it’s worth keeping an emergency supply of water in your vehicle to stay hydrated.
The last thing you want to think about before heading on the road is servicing your car, but regular maintenance can go a long way when the days are longer.
