Arizona temperatures can get as high as 128 degrees. Arizona heat can do a number on your vehicle. Here are the essential things you need to do for summer car maintenance.
Check Out the A/C System
This is one of the most important steps when it comes to summer car maintenance, especially in Arizona. If the air conditioning is going to quit working, chances are it will happen at the worst possible time. Nobody wants to face that! Take action before this happens and get your AC system checked out by a qualified technician before the hot summer months hit. Even a marginally operating AC system will likely fail altogether in hot weather.
Have Your Battery Tested
Overcharging, corrosion, and hot temperatures are the two primary causes of a shortened battery life. Batteries contain fluid that the heat can cause to evaporate. Low fluid levels will end up damaging the battery’s internal structure. Nothing’s worse than ending up stuck with a vehicle that won’t start, so make sure to have your battery checked out before summer.
Have the Cooling System Checked Out
Overheating is one of the biggest causes of breakdowns. You should have the cooling system completely flushed out and refilled according to your owner’s manual or at least every 24 months. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant need to be checked out regularly. You should also have the condition and tightness of the hoses, drive belts, and clamps checked by a professional on a regular basis.
Inspect the Tires
Drastic temperature changes can cause tires to lose pressure a lot faster, leading to reduced gas mileage and inferior performance. The heat of the day, especially driving, will inflate the tires a bit. Inspect and check the tire pressure first thing in the morning when they’re cold. Poor tire tread not only impacts gas mileage and performance, but it’s a safety hazard. It’s a good idea to have the tires rotated on a regular basis and replaced when they’re compromised.
Check the Brakes
Summer car maintenance also includes having the brakes inspected. Let’s face it – the brakes need to be reliable. High temperatures can cause problems with the brake pads, and excessive heat can cause the brake fluid to break down, having a detrimental impact on the brakes ability to respond quickly.
Check All Fluids
Topping off all the fluids at the start of summer will help prevent overheating. Motor oil is particularly important because it helps keep the engine lubricated, reduces friction, and reduces heat buildup under the hood. It’s important to keep your engine lubricated during hot weather to reduce the chances of overheating.
To prepare your vehicle for hot weather and prevent pricey repair bills later, go over this summer car maintenance checklist before driving on those severe summer days. A professional mechanic knows which fluids need to be checked and the appropriate levels, so consider saving yourself the hassle bring your car to us for summer car maintenance. Click here to learn more.
