Summer is the perfect time for road trips, vacations, and weekend getaways. But before you hit the road, your car needs to be in top shape to handle the heat, long drives, and potential traffic delays. Skipping maintenance can lead to breakdowns, overheating, or costly repairs, ruining your travel plans. Here’s a checklist of essential summer car maintenance tasks to ensure a smooth and trouble-free drive.
1. Check and Change Your Oil
Your engine works harder in hot weather, and old or low oil won’t provide the necessary lubrication to keep it running smoothly. Heat can cause oil to break down faster, leading to increased friction, overheating, and potential engine damage.
What to do:
- Check your oil level and condition before a long trip.
- If the oil is dark, gritty, or low, schedule an oil change.
- Use the manufacturer-recommended oil type for summer driving.
2. Inspect Your Cooling System
Summer heat is one of the biggest causes of engine overheating. Your cooling system keeps the engine at a safe temperature, but if coolant levels are low or components are failing, your car could overheat.
What to check:
- Coolant levels – Top off if needed and look for leaks.
- Hoses and belts – Check for cracks, leaks, or loose connections.
- Radiator and fan – Ensure they’re working properly to prevent overheating.
If your car runs hot or you haven’t had a coolant flush in a while, now is the time to do it.
3. Test Your Battery
High temperatures speed up battery fluid evaporation, which can weaken or kill your battery. If your battery is more than three years old, it may struggle to hold a charge in extreme heat.
How to check it:
- Test your battery voltage (a healthy battery should read 12.6 volts or higher when off).
- Look for corrosion on battery terminals and clean if necessary.
- If the battery cranks slowly or struggles to start, consider replacing it before it fails.
4. Inspect Your Tires for Wear and Proper Pressure
Hot pavement can cause underinflated or worn-out tires to blow out, especially during long drives. Proper tire maintenance improves fuel efficiency, traction, and safety.
What to do:
- Check tire pressure and inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI.
- Inspect for cracks, bulges, or uneven wear.
- Use the penny test to check tread depth—if you can see all of Lincoln’s head, it’s time for new tires.
- Don’t forget to check your spare tire in case of emergencies.
5. Test Your Brakes for Safe Stopping
Brakes are essential for safe driving in summer traffic and on wet roads. If your brake pads are too thin, worn, or overheating, your stopping power decreases.
Signs you need a brake inspection:
- Squeaking or grinding noises when braking.
- Vibrations or pulling when stopping.
- A soft or spongy brake pedal.
If you notice any of these signs, get your brakes checked before a long drive.
6. Ensure Your AC is Working Properly
Nothing’s worse than a broken AC on a scorching summer day. If your AC isn’t blowing cold air, it may be due to low refrigerant, a failing compressor, or clogged filters.
How to check it:
- Turn on the AC at full blast—if it’s not cold enough, you may need a recharge.
- Check cabin air filters and replace them if dirty.
- Listen for strange noises, which could indicate compressor problems.
7. Replace Windshield Wipers and Top Off Washer Fluid
Summer rain showers can reduce visibility, and old wipers streak, skip, or smear instead of clearing water efficiently.
What to do:
- Replace wiper blades if they’re cracked or leaving streaks.
- Fill the washer fluid reservoir with summer-friendly fluid.
8. Check Your Lights and Signals
Headlights, brake lights, and turn signals keep you visible and safe in all conditions. Burned-out lights can reduce visibility and result in traffic tickets.
How to check them:
- Turn on your headlights, brake lights, and signals to ensure they’re working.
- Replace any dim or non-functioning bulbs.
9. Pack an Emergency Kit
Even with proper maintenance, unexpected issues can still happen. A well-stocked emergency kit can help keep you safe until assistance arrives.
Essential items to pack:
- Jumper cables.
- Tire repair kit or spare tire.
- Flashlight with extra batteries.
- First aid kit.
- Bottled water and non-perishable snacks.
- Phone charger.
Final Thoughts
A little maintenance now can prevent major problems later. Checking your oil, coolant, battery, brakes, tires, and AC ensures your car is ready for summer road trips and daily commutes. If you haven’t had a seasonal inspection yet, schedule one with a trusted auto repair shop before hitting the road to ensure a safe and hassle-free summer driving experience.