5 Summer Tips for Your Car

It’s looking like one of those hot Texas summers; record temps and long stretches of 100+ degree days. While we seek some shade and a cold beverage to escape the heat most people underestimate the toll these extreme temperatures can have on their car.

Here are five things you can do to keep your car running like it should this summer:

#1 Check your tires

Checking your tires in the summer when blacktop pavement temperatures can exceed 140⁰ is a must! Under or overinflated tires can negatively impact your gas mileage, cause premature tire wear and are more prone to blow out during hot weather. Find your recommended tire pressures in your owner’s manual or on the driver’s doorjamb factory sticker which lists the proper PSI levels. Not a DIY kind of person? No worries – just swing by any of our dealerships and we’ll be glad to check and fill your tires to the proper pressures, free of charge.

   

#2 Inspect your belts and hoses

As a car ages and temperatures rise, belts and hoses can become dry and brittle, causing them to crack and break. If a main drive belt snaps on the road, your car will stop running and you’ll lose valuable time and money. The good news is, we perform a complimentary visual inspection of all belts and hoses as part of our multipoint inspection when you bring your vehicle to our dealerships for regular maintenance.

#3 Check & Top Off Engine Coolant

Your car’s engine cooling system is critical when the weather heats up and now that you’re running the air conditioner at full throttle it’s under even more strain. For most cars, the normal operating engine temperature is in the range of 195 to 220 degrees Fahrenheit, though a lot of vehicles will only provide a Cold - - Hot gauge. Driving a vehicle in an overheated state – even for a relatively short time – can significantly damage critical engine components and cost you big bucks. If your vehicle seems to be running a little warmer than midrange or certainly if the ‘Check Engine Coolant’ light has come on recently, you need to stop where it’s safe and check the coolant level. STAY SAFE - Only check your engine coolant when the engine has cooled down, and make sure to top it off with the proper coolant for your vehicle.

#4 Refill Washer Fluid & Inspect Wipers

When there isn’t a lot of rain, your windshield will become covered in dust and bugs. You can quickly and easily remove these by making sure that your washer fluid reservoir is full. Washer fluid is cheap and is easy to refill; just look under the hood for the translucent fluid jug with the picture of a windshield on the cap. Keeping your washer fluid filled and your windshield clean will also help you quickly determine when you have a possible wiper concern. To maximize your safety, pay attention as the wipers operate to make sure both sides are clearing away the moisture in a nice, clean arch. Don’t wait for the next Texas ‘gully washer’ before you figure out it’s time for new wipers; at the first sign of troubles please let us help you put on a fresh set.

#5 Chill out! (with some COLD AC)

All vehicle air conditioning systems are made up of the same basic components: compressor, condenser, accumulator/drier, expansion valve and evaporator. The refrigerant in this pressurized system is always on the move and is constantly trying to find the weakest spot in the chain to escape. A lot of times when your AC blows warm this is due to a system leak. Low refrigerant not only makes you more uncomfortable it also presents problems for the related mechanical parts which uses this gas/oil mixture for lubrication. This month we’re offering an AC system check for only $59.95 – that’s a small price to pay for peace of mind and a happier family.

By Mike Hewlett

By paying attention to a few vehicle items now, you’re almost guaranteed to have a better, cooler time this summer.   As always, thank you for your business and please call on us the next time we can be of service to you or your family!