How To Get Your Car Ready for Hot Weather

Temperature extremes, both hot and cold, can do damage to both you and your vehicle. However, while the cold may induce you to stay in and hibernate unless you have to go out, warm and sunny weather may entice you outside, where you can get into trouble. You can help keep your car running smoothly and yourself safe and healthy by making the following preparations before the weather heats up again.

1. Check Your Coolant

When the temperature is hot outside, it can cause overheating of your engine, a costly problem that can cause a total breakdown. You can prevent this by checking the coolant level and topping it off as necessary.

2. Test the Air Conditioning

There was a time, not so long ago, when air conditioners were only options on many vehicles. Today, they are almost universally standard, and with good reason. The interior of a car can heat up very quickly, which can be uncomfortable at best and dangerous at worst. Check that your air conditioner not only functions but is blowing cold air. Make the test well before the weather heats up and seek out automotive AC repair Marysville WA as soon as possible if it is malfunctioning.

3. Keep Up With Oil Changes

As vital as oil changes are to the upkeep of your car, it is nevertheless easy to forget about them. You should schedule these regularly, especially if you drive your car often. At the very least, you should keep an extra quart of oil in the vehicle with you for emergencies.

4. Check the Tires

The air pressure inside the tire can fluctuate with drastic changes in temperature. Your tires may start to wear out unevenly if the pressure is either over or under the manufacturer’s recommendation.

5. Test the Battery

Most auto stores will test your battery for free, so there is no excuse not to do it. Extremes of temperature can have a negative effect on batteries.