Get Your Vehicle Summer-ready
Posted by:
Jennifer Morand
With the long winter hopefully behind us, Chicagoans are more eager than ever to roll down the windows, open the sunroof and actually begin enjoying the (dare we say) nice weather again. We need to take advantage of the warm weather while it’s here because, in just three short months, it’ll already be on its way out again. It’s the hard truth, but we’re not here to complain. Rather, we’ve assembled some tips for ensuring your vehicle is summer-ready so you can get a jumpstart on the season.
1) Summer is road trip season, so first things first: check your tire pressure. Ideally, this should be done once a month, but it’s essential before embarking on any long road trips. Additionally, make sure to remove snow tires if you put them on at the beginning of winter, as they will wear out more quickly and decrease your highway fuel economy.
2) Inspect the windshield wiper blades and replace them if there are any signs of damage from the long, rough winter that is (fingers crossed) now behind us. Although the snow is behind us, rain unfortunately is not. A good rule of thumb is to replace your windshield wipers every 12 to 18 months.
3) Pop the hood to check fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake, steering and washer) and ensure there aren’t any loose nuts or bolts.
4) Change your oil. Oil is often described as the “lifeblood” of your vehicle, ensuring that the engine parts run clean and cool. In most cases you should change your oil every six months or 7,500 miles.
5) Check your brakes – the No. 1 safety feature on your car. According to Yahoo! Autos, brakes need to be replaced when the lining on your brake pad or brake shoe is worn down past the minimum thickness specified by the car manufacturer or state law. It’s best to have the technician check your brake pads when getting your oil changed.
Once you’ve checked the above boxes, consider this last tip: give your car a good, deep clean. While this one isn’t necessarily a safety concern, you’ll be happy you broke out the vacuum and cleansing wipes when you’re confined to your vehicle during a long road trip. Plus, washing your car on a hot day goes hand-in-hand with summer. All you need is a bucket, some suds and a hose!
Have anything to add? Leave your comment below or tweet us @ChiAutoShow!
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