By Tony Fusaro | Observer Reporter
Although there are a few things that are the same between getting your vehicle ready for winter and getting it ready for summer, there are, however, many differences.
First, check the cooling system. If you live in an area where it gets really hot, you want your cooling system in good working order. The cooling system of an engine has to work harder in hot weather to prevent the engine from overheating than in cold weather. Some of the main components that should be checked are the radiator, water pump, thermostat, and hoses. If your car overheats, serious engine damage can occur. Not only that but chances are you will also probably be stranded. In the event that you notice your car is starting to overheat, turn off your air conditioning and turn the heat up full blast. This will remove some of the heat from the engine but if the temperature still rises, get to the nearest service station or garage.
The next thing on the list is tires. When getting into warmer weather, take off your snow tires. They are not necessary. Plus, because the rubber compound of snow tires is usually softer, they tend to wear much faster on dry pavement than a regular tire. A good tip is to have two sets of wheels: one set with snow tires and one with summer tires. This way, when you get to the end of a season, you can just swap the wheels. This will also save you money. Most tire shops charge around $50 to have one set of tires removed and another set put on. This is also a good time to check tire pressure. Proper tire pressure is very important. Having the right tire pressure enables the best possible contact between the road and tire. Plus, properly inflated tires will last longer and improve fuel economy.
Here is a small list of things to check before starting your summer driving:
• Change the oil. When you change the oil, there are a few things to remember. Oil tends to get thinner as its temperature increases and the thinner oil gets, the less it lubricates. So in general, thicker oil should be used during the summer. This ensures good lubrication of the internal engine components.
• Next on the list are windshield wipers. The life expectancy of a wiper is about one year. If your wipers are not making full contact with the windshield, they might be dried out and should be replaced. Well, that’s if you would like to see during a thunderstorm! Another good tip is to pick up a bottle of Rain-X. This stuff makes it so water beads up and rolls off the windshield much easier. This is only a few dollars.
• Belts and hoses. The belts operate different components of the engine, such as the alternator, water pump, air conditioning, power steering pump, etc. If the belts fail, many things could happen, such as a breakdown or possibly a loss of steering. Have them checked for cracking, grayed edges, dry rot, glazing, and uneven wear.
• Have a wheel alignment done. This makes long trips easier because the steering wheel stays straight when you are driving in a straight line and it helps prevent uneven tire wear.
These are just a few things to consider when getting ready for those long summer road trips. When doing these things, think of it as a little insurance just in case. And don’ forget…buckle up!
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