With spring here and summer right around the corner, now is the time to prepare your car for the summer heat in Madison, TN. Warm temperatures can affect how our vehicles operate—plus, you’ll want to make sure the air conditioner works before the heat and humidity fully set in. Here are our best car maintenance tips to get your vehicle ready for all the summer driving you’re planning to do:
- Test your battery: Extreme temperatures on either end of the spectrum can affect how your battery performs. Heat can drain your battery and encourage internal component corrosion. Checking your battery periodically—and testing it during your regular maintenance appointments—will prevent you from getting stranded on the side of the road.
- Get an air conditioner tune-up: The best way to make sure your air conditioner is still working is to use it before you really need it. Let your car run for a few minutes, then turn the AC on. Is it blowing out ice-cold air? Do the vents seem to be working properly? If not, you may need to go get it tuned up. Try to do this before summer arrives, so you don’t get stuck driving around in your own mini sauna.
- Stay on top of your regular maintenance: Keeping up on regular car maintenance like oil and other fluid changes, brake inspections and more is the key to keeping your vehicle in shape all season long. Oil changes are especially important, since summer heat can put additional stress on the engine. If you can’t change the oil yourself, take it to a mechanic and have it done along with a general tune-up.
- Inspect your tires: Heat also affects your tires. Check the air pressure regularly, since the heat will raise your tires’ PSI. You may need to let some air out to avoid damaging the tires. Additionally, if it’s time to rotate your tires, add that to your tune-up to-do list. Rotating the tires prevents uneven wear and tear.
- Check your radiator: Your radiator helps reduce excessive engine heat, so it’s crucial that it functions properly during the summer—otherwise, you might find yourself with an overheated engine. In addition to topping off your radiator fluid as necessary, it may be a good time to have your radiator flushed. Ask your mechanic what they recommend.
- Look for any body damage: Finally, don’t forget to look underneath your car for body damage. Driving over potholes, speed bumps, curbs and other obstacles can damage your vehicle’s alignment. You may also want to inspect the exterior for paint chips (which can lead to rust), dents and other cosmetic issues.
Following these car maintenance tips in Madison, TN will ensure that your vehicle is prepared to deal with intense summer heat. It’s also a smart idea to have your car inspected in order to uncover damage from the winter weather.
When you need expert car care, Madison Muffler & Auto Repair is here to help. Call us today to book a service appointment.