Summer Time Vehicle Preventive Maintenance
Its summer time here and getting hotter by the minute now is the time to do your summer time vehicle preventive maintenance. Today it hit a record breaking 100 degrees. Wow it’s going to be a very hot summer this year. This means that your vehicle will have to work even harder to keep the engine cool. Developing a preventive maintenance programs that you follow every season is a great habit that will ensure your vehicle will stay in top shape.
Things you can do to Ensure your Vehicle is Ready for Summer Time Heat
There are a few things that you can do to ensure that you vehicle is ready for this hot weather. First and most important is to have your radiator flushed and a complete antifreeze replacement. Your antifreeze is very important. This is what pulls heat from your engine. Through your radiator, air passes over your radiator and pulls heat away. This cools your radiator fluids.
Change your belt or belts. They have made it since last year now it’s time to change them. A lot of mechanics will tell you to wait until your belts start to crack and show signs of wear but I always change mine once a year. This is a great practice and will keep you from being broke down one day on the side of the road.
The oil in your vehicle is very important, especially during these hot summer days. Make sure that you are keeping your oil changed. Every three thousand miles or your vehicle manufactures recommendation. Some synthetic oils can go much farther than traditional oils.
Do not overlook your front end. All front ends need to be greased. Over time your grease gets used up or washed out, from going through water. Use really good oil don’t go cheap here. The grease you use will help to prolong the life of your front end. The cheaper off brand oils do not last and hold out as long as some of the named brands. I personally use Castrol but you can use any brand you like as long as it is designed for your application.
Changing Filters
Now is a great time to change your air and fuel filter and air filter. Keeping your air filter changed will help your engine to breath and in turn it will save you on fuel consumption. The easier it is for your engine to breath the less fuel consumption.
Changing your fuel filter will help to make your fuel pump last longer. By keeping a clean and new fuel filter on your vehicle you are not over working your fuel pump. This also ensures that you are not using to much fuel. Yes I know it is crazy but your vehicle will use more fuel with a clogged fuel filter.
Tire Maintenance
Summer time is very trying on your tires. Check the overall condition of your tires. . Tires that need to be replaced have low thread. Look for uneven wear this can indicate that your front end is out of alignment. Have the front end of your vehicle aligned and tires replaced, if need be. While looking at the tires look for any bubbles. If there is a bubble on one of your tires, it must be replaced immediately.
Fact: Low tire pressure on a vehicle uses more fuel. Keep your tire pressure correct and you will receive optimum miles per gallon.
Now would be a great time to have your auto air conditioning checked to make sure it is running at its best. During these hot summer days it helps to have a great working ac. Your mechanic will check the Freon pressure. If it is low then he will either find the leak and fix it or add Freon to your vehicle’s system.
Conclusion of Vehicle Preventive Maintenance
This about sums it up for your vehicle preventive maintenance, hopefully these tips have helped you. Please share our vehicle preventive maintenance tips on your Twitter or Facebook accounts to help us spread the word!
