We all know that Chicago winters can wreak havoc on your car, but did you know our summers can be equally hard on your vehicle? That’s why we’ve put together a list of summer driving tips to help you avoid any difficulties so you can thoroughly enjoy the summer season.
Summer Car Maintenance for Safer Driving
Staying safe on the roads means taking care of your vehicle with proper maintenance. This is especially true when you’re preparing to leave the city to embark on a summer road trip.
Continue reading for some essential summer driving safety tips that can help you protect your vehicle no matter what your plans may be.
Clean Your Vehicle
Head to the car wash and make sure the underside of your car is thoroughly clean. Choose a wash that cleans the underbody to remove any mud that may have collected, as it can cause damage to your car by holding moisture against the metal. While you’re at it, wash the wheel wells to remove hidden grime. This can give you a chance to inspect your tires and make sure everything is in top shape.
Check Your Tires
Driving under-inflated or over-inflated tires is dangerous and can lead to blowouts. Check tire pressure at least once a month, as tires usually lose 1-3 pounds of pressure each month due to seepage. However, during the summer, extreme heat causes a natural increase in tire pressure, so you might run into the opposite problem.
Always follow the inflation pressure recommendations for your specific make and model of tires, and don’t forget to check the spare. Additionally, check your tire treads to see if they’re worn. You can use the “penny method” by placing a penny between the tread ribs with Lincoln upside down. If the top of Abe’s head shows, you need new tires.
We also recommend having your tires inspected by a professional before heading out on any long trips. A good time to do this is when you schedule a wheel alignment service with Bucaro Brothers.
Have Your Battery Inspected
Most batteries will last between 3-5 years. If yours is in that age range, you might want to consider getting a new one before hitting the road. Visit Bucaro Brothers for a battery inspection to find out if your car battery is still reliable.
Check Your Belts and Hoses
Over time, belts and hoses can become cracked, worn, or loose. Have a qualified mechanic inspect these components to ensure vehicle safety and dependability.
The inspection should include checking your serpentine belt and timing belt. If either of these belts sustains damage, it may snap unexpectedly, leading to engine failure or other serious issues. If your mechanic notices any wear or a belt is over 60,000 miles old, you may need to have it replaced.
Protect Your Cooling System
Your cooling system protects your vehicle against overheating. Bring your car to a mechanic to have the cooling system inspected and coolant replaced if necessary. Your cooling system includes your radiator, cooling fan, thermostat, and other essential components.
You can trust Bucaro Brothers for all your cooling system needs, including leak detection, radiator flushes, radiator repair in Chicago, and more.
Top Off Fluids
In addition to coolant, you should have other fluid levels checked periodically, including:
- Motor oil
- Transmission fluid
- Brake fluid
- Power-steering fluid
- Windshield washer fluid
Visit Bucaro Brothers today and have one of our skilled technicians refill or replace the fluids that help keep your vehicle running smoothly.
Inspect and Replace Wiper Blades
These are often overlooked, but make sure your wiper blades are in good condition. During the summer, things like bug splatter, tree sap, and other debris can quickly accumulate on your windshield. The last thing you want is an obscured line of vision during a long drive.
If your wiper blades are over 6 months old or they leave behind streaks, it might be time to replace them.
Check Your AC
During the heat of summer, it’s good to make sure your car’s air conditioning system is in good working order. Let one of our certified technicians do a full inspection and protect you against AC failure.
Plan for Emergencies
Even with great preventive maintenance, summer breakdowns can still happen, and you need to be prepared. You should have a well-stocked emergency kit in your vehicle, especially if you’re traveling to remote areas of the country. We recommend having a kit that includes the following items:
- First aid kit
- Bottled water
- Distilled water for the radiator
- Non-perishable food like granola bars, canned fruit, etc.
- Cutlery and tools for opening items, like a can opener or pair of scissors
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Phone charger
- Warning equipment like hazard triangles, road flares, or an emergency beacon
- Some basic tools, like a crescent wrench, pliers, and screwdrivers
- Jumper cables
- Blankets (Yes, even if it’s summertime. You may travel to areas where temperatures can plummet at night.)
- Hiking shoes or snow boots
Trust Bucaro Brothers for Summer Maintenance for Your Car
Many of these maintenance tasks we’ve suggested can be done by the average driver. Others are best left to a trained automotive technician like those at Bucaro Brothers. For reliable engine diagnostics, car air conditioning repair, tire services, and other automotive services, contact us today.
Don’t allow your car to fall victim to the heat of summer in Chicago. Visit us for comprehensive car maintenance and more safe summer driving tips.
