5 Most Important Summer Car Fixes

5 Most Important Things to Do to Your Car During Summer

Summer brings its own set of challenges for car maintenance, from intense heat to long road trips. To ensure your vehicle performs optimally and avoids potential issues, here are the five most important things to do for your car during the hotter months:

1. Check and Maintain Your Cooling System

The cooling system is crucial for preventing your engine from overheating. During summer:

• Inspect Coolant Levels: Ensure your coolant (antifreeze) is at the recommended level. If it’s low, ask your mechanic to top it off with the correct type of coolant as specified in your owner’s manual.
• Flush the Radiator: Consider having your radiator flushed and refilled if it hasn’t been done in a while. This removes any old coolant and contaminants that might affect performance.
• Inspect Hoses and Belts: Check for any cracks, leaks, or wear in hoses and belts connected to the cooling system, as they can fail under high temperatures.

2. Examine Your Air Conditioning System

A functional air conditioning system is vital for comfort during hot weather. To ensure it’s working efficiently:

• Check the AC System: Verify that your air conditioning is blowing cold air. If it’s not, there could be an issue with the refrigerant or the AC components.
• Replace the Cabin Air Filter: A clogged filter can reduce the efficiency of your AC system and affect air quality inside the car. Replace it if it’s dirty or hasn’t been changed in a while.

3. Inspect Your Tires

Hot weather can affect tire performance and safety. To ensure your tires are in good condition:

• Check Tire Pressure: High temperatures can increase tire pressure. Use a tire gauge to ensure they’re inflated to the recommended levels or stop by Alpha Omega Tire & Auto to ask one of our service people to check it for you. Over-inflation can lead to reduced traction and increased wear.
• Inspect Tread Depth: Ensure your tires have adequate tread depth for safe driving. Worn-out tires can be more dangerous, especially in rainy conditions.

4. Replace Windshield Wipers and Check Fluid Levels

Summer storms and intense sunlight can be tough on your windshield and wipers. To maintain visibility:

• Replace Wiper Blades: Check the condition of your wiper blades and replace them if they’re worn or ineffective. Good wipers are crucial for clearing away rain and debris.
• Top Off Washer Fluid: Ensure your windshield washer fluid reservoir is full. This helps keep your windshield clean and improves visibility.

5. Inspect and Maintain the Battery

High temperatures can impact battery performance and lifespan. To prevent battery issues:

• Check Battery Condition: Inspect your battery for signs of corrosion or leaks. Ensure the terminals are clean and secure.
• Test Battery Charge: If your battery is older or showing signs of weak performance, have it tested to ensure it has enough charge to start your car reliably.

Conclusion

Taking these essential steps will help you avoid common summer-related car problems and ensure your vehicle remains in good working condition during the warmer months. Regular maintenance and inspections can prevent breakdowns in this incredible summer heart and ensure a safer and more comfortable driving experience.  If you’re not mechanically inclined you can stop by Alpha Omega Tire and Auto in Houston to get one of our experienced service providers or mechanics to check it out for you at 10513 Airline Drive, Houston, TX 77037 (be sure to call us at 346-413-0967 for an appointment as we get busy during the HOT summer months).