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As we approach summer and the weather starts to warm up, it’s important to make sure your car is ready to handle the heat. Here are a few tips on how to prepare your car for summer:
1. Monitor fluid levels
It’s important to monitor the coolant/antifreeze levels in your vehicle, especially during the hot summer months. If you find that coolant levels are too low, it could be a sign of a leak or other serious problems with engine components. Have your vehicle checked by a professional and schedule repairs if needed.
2. Check tires
Extreme cold and weather fluctuations can be tough on tires, leaving them flat after winter. Make sure your tires are at the recommended air pressure and tread levels before you hit the road in the spring and summer.
The ideal tire pressure is different for every vehicle, but it’s typically around 30-35 PSI. Your vehicle’s tire pressure will be listed in the owner’s manual or on a sticker in the door jamb, doorpost, glove box, or fuel door. You can also find your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure online.
3. Service the air conditioning system
The last thing you want is to be stuck in a hot car with no AC. Before the first heatwave hits, make sure your air conditioning is working. It’s also a good idea to have your air conditioning system serviced to ensure that it’s running at its best.
4. Check and clean the battery
The heat can be hard on your car’s battery, and so is excessive air-conditioning. Make sure your car’s battery has a good charge, is in working condition, and that the connections are clean.
5. Inspect wiper blades
Keeping the snow, road salt, sleet, and rain off your windshield during the winter puts a lot of strain on your windshield wipers. When going into the warm weather season, take a look at your wiper blades and see if they’re looking dull or are in need of replacement.
6. Check the brakes
Warmer weather often means more driving, and that means more wear and tear on your brakes. Take note of any issues you might have when braking and have your brakes inspected and serviced if necessary.
7. Wax your car
This finishing touch has numerous benefits. Waxing will add shine, preserve the paint, repel water, protect from UV rays, and fill any surface scratches your vehicle might have. A coat of wax will keep your car’s paint looking new for years to come, even when left exposed to hot direct sunlight for hours at a time.
Want to go the extra mile? Learn how to detail your car like the pros.
Bonus tip: consider paint protection film (PPF)
Did you take all the steps to prepare your car for summer, but still want one more layer of protection? Paint protection film (PPF) could be the solution for you. PPF is a protective film that goes over your vehicle’s existing paint to protect against outdoor elements like dust, dirt, and road debris. Paint protection film comes at a high cost and is mostly used on very new and high-end vehicles.
PPF can be applied to your entire vehicle or just select areas, and can be removed at any time. Many high-value, collector, antique, and exotic vehicles get paint protection film to help preserve the vehicle’s original paintjob. PPF film will start to yellow after around 10 years, but it can always be removed and reapplied when it becomes worn out–and the original paint under the film will still look showroom-ready.
Follow these tips to make sure that your car is ready to handle the warmer weather and keep you safe and comfortable on the road. If you drive an electric vehicle, most of these tips will apply to you as well. However, there are some special EV maintenance tips you should know. Learn more in our electric car maintenance guide.
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