Sunshine and warm weather are synonymous with road trips, whether Sunday drives or major excursions. It’s car-time in Canada. Here are some important ways to care for your car in the summer months so it’ll still be in great shape for next summer and many summers to come.
Tires: We often take the tires on our cars for granted, but those thin patches of rubber are all that separate us from the asphalt moving rapidly below our cars. When the weather’s nice, it’s the perfect time to check on your tires.
Your owner’s manual or a placard inside the door jamb of your car will tell you what the proper inflation should be for your tires. It’s not uncommon for the front axle to require a different inflation pressure than the rear axle. Check your inflation levels when the tires are still cold. When the tires warm from road friction, the inflation readings will be higher.
Also, check your tires for uneven wear and tread depth. Your tires have raised bars that span the width of your tire called tread-wear indicators. When your tire tread has worn down to the indicators, it’s time to buy some new sneakers for your ride.
Fluids: Unsurprisingly, the fluids in your car often contain water — water that can evaporate in summer’s sweltering heat. Checking fluid levels often can help ensure that your vehicle is running smoothly and help prevent breakdowns, which can be particularly unpleasant if your car leaves you stranded at the roadside on a hot day. Windshield washer fluid, oil, brake fluid, and coolant levels should all be checked. If you aren’t completely comfortable with checking these fluid levels yourself, many automotive service businesses offer safety checks, which usually include checking fluid levels.
Sun exposure: Cars look great when they’re glistening in the sunshine — but all that sunshine can be damaging to painted surfaces and your car’s interior. Whenever possible, park your vehicle in the shade and use a windshield sunshade to keep damaging ultraviolet rays from aging your car’s paint and interior prematurely.
