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When Summers roll around, it's time to take a little extra care of your car. Sunny road trips and summer breezes aren't as relaxing for the car as it can be for us humans. Most of us have had our cars break down and give way during scorching days in the summer. That's not fun for anyone, right? Summer car care is all about keeping your machine smooth and efficiently running, even in the hottest of days. Let’s look at some easy but essential ways to get your car ready for the heat.

Keep an Eye on Your Car’s Fluids

First things first: your car relies on various fluids to stay cool and function well, and hot weather can cause them to evaporate or break down faster than normal.

Engine Oil: The heat can wear down your engine oil more quickly, so make sure it’s at the right level and in good condition. It’s always good to change your oil before summer if it’s been a while. And here's a pro tip—depending on where you live, you might need a slightly different oil grade. Hot weather? You may want to go for a higher-viscosity oil that handles heat better.

Coolant: Overheating is one of the biggest risks for your engine in the summer, so check your coolant levels. If you haven’t changed your coolant in a while, now’s a good time. What you'll need is an equal mix of antifreeze and water. However, if you're living in a much hotter place, that ratio can always be rethought.

Transmission Fluid: Did you know that hot weather can also affect your transmission? If the transmission fluid in the car gets too low or if it overheats, there could be some serious issues in your car. It's best to have that checked too.

Tire Care

Tires are most likely to take the heat in the summer. When the roads are sun-baked, your tires can take a serious beating. That's literally the last thing you want when on a road trip in the summer.

Did you know your tire pressure increases as the temperature rises? Yes, they do. It's best to always check your tire pressure when they've reasonably cooled down after a drive to avoid overinflation. Look at the numbers on the inside of your driver’s door—those are the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Tread Depth: Worn tires plus hot roads equals bad news. You don’t need a fancy tool to check your tire tread. Grab a penny, stick it into the tread with Lincoln’s head down, and if you can see all of his head, it’s time for new tires.

Rotate and Balance: Hot weather combined with long road trips can lead to uneven wear on your tires. It’s a good idea to get your tires rotated and balanced before you hit the road this summer.

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Battery Health

Most of us think of battery problems in winter, but did you know that summer heat can be just as hard on your car’s battery?

Corrosion: Summer heat can speed up the chemical reaction inside your battery, leading to more corrosion on the terminals. If you notice any buildup, clean it off with a wire brush and make sure the connections are tight.

Battery Fluid: If your battery isn’t sealed, check the fluid levels. Low fluid can cause overheating and failure. If it’s low, top it off with distilled water.

Testing the Battery: If your battery is getting close to the 3-year mark, it’s a good idea to have it tested. Nothing ruins a summer day faster than being stuck with a dead battery.

Air Conditioning Check

One of the worst summer driving experiences is being stuck in a hot car with no AC. Before the temps soar, take a few steps to ensure your air conditioning is working at its best.

Refrigerant Levels: If your AC isn’t blowing cold air like it used to, it might be low on refrigerant. A quick recharge could be all it needs to get back to full strength.

Belts and Hoses: Hot weather can cause cracks or wear in your belts and hoses, which could affect your AC. It’s a good idea to have these checked if your car is more than a few years old.

Replace the Cabin Air Filter: A dirty cabin air filter makes your AC work harder, reducing its effectiveness. Replacing the filter is a quick and easy fix that can improve airflow and keep the air inside your car fresher.

Sun Protection for Your Car’s Exterior and Interior

Your car's exterior is like human skin. It also needs protection from the harmful UV rays. Do you go out in the sun without proper sunscreen? No, so why should your car? The heat and UV rays can do a number on both the inside and outside of your vehicle.

Use Sunshades: Do you often park in the open sun? You need to opt for sunshades for your windshield. They help you block harmful UV rays and keep your car cool in the scorching heat. Plus, they prevent fading on your dashboard and seats.

Waxing the Exterior: This is the car version of a sunscreen. It helps protect the skin of your car from UV rays. Waxing your car every few months adds an extra layer of protection against the sun’s harsh rays.

Tint Your Windows: Firstly, they look really nice. Secondly, tinted windows also help block UV rays to a certain extent and keep the insides of your car cooler than usual.

Brakes and Suspension

While you're getting everything else in shape, don’t neglect the brakes and suspension. Summer driving, especially on long trips, can put more strain on these systems.

Brake Fluid: Heat can cause brake fluid to boil, which reduces its effectiveness. Have your brake fluid checked and replaced if necessary.

Brake Pads: Summer road trips can wear down your brake pads faster than normal. If you hear squeaking or grinding when you brake, it’s time to have them looked at.

Suspension Check: If your car feels bouncy or you notice uneven tire wear, your suspension might need some attention. A quick check by your mechanic can ensure everything is working smoothly.

Your Summer Car Maintenance Checklist

To make sure your car is ready for the summer heat, here’s a quick rundown of what to do:

Check engine oil, coolant, and transmission fluid levels.
Inspect tire pressure and tread depth.
Clean battery terminals and check fluid levels.
Test the air conditioning and refrigerant levels.
Use sunshades, wax your car, and consider window tinting.
Inspect brakes and suspension.

It's not just about you being comfortable in your car. It's about maintaining your car for longevity and proper conditioning. Contact CarDetox today and we'll help you keep your car minty fresh even during the summers.