End of Summer Car Care Tips

It’s no surprise that Americans drive more during the summer than any other season. School is out, and irresistible sandy beaches have drivers packing up and hitting the road for vacation.

Woman in Car While a relaxing trip can make you forget your worries, it’s important to remember to care for the vehicle that helped you get there. The extra mileage accumulated on summer road trips paired with the season’s extreme temperatures increase the need for automotive maintenance and system care. Them team of expert mechanics at Dave’s Ultimate Automotive has put together a list of the important parts of your car, truck, SUV or minivan that may require some extra attention towards the end of summer.

Tires:

Proper tire pressure is crucial for maintaining your traction on the road, your vehicle’s stability, and can have a drastic effect on your fuel economy. For every 10 degree change in temperature, your tires will gain or lose 1 PSI. Regularly checking your PSI can help keep you, your passengers, and the vehicles around you safe.

Battery:

Summer heat can make your battery’s fluid evaporate faster. Without the proper fluid, your battery can start to corrode, ultimately making it incapable of holding a charge. Our experts can help you lengthen the life of your battery by evaluating your fluid levels, checking for leaks and cracks, and making sure your connections are clean and free of corrosion, rust, and oxidation.

Undercarriage:

Make sure your car is free of dirt and grime. When the weather is warm, your car has to work harder to keep itself cool. Caked-on mud can cause your transmission and engine run far hotter than if it were clean. Break out the suds or have your car professionally detailed and waxed for a clean, cool ride!

Cooling System:

Your radiator is responsible for keeping your vehicle’s systems at a constant temperature. Cracks or leaks in your cooling system can cause you to lose coolant - the fluid necessary for keeping your radiator functioning properly. If your engine or transmission overheat, it can result in significant damage to your vehicle, and costly repairs. Radiators and coolant levels should be inspected at the end of the summer, when the excess heat can evaporate your coolant, making you to lose fluid at a more rapid rate. Properly maintaining your vehicle will help it take you safely and smoothly on your summer vacations for years to come. If you need any auto repair or maintenance work done in Austin or Pflugerville, TX, make sure you stop by and see the friendly experts at Dave’s Ultimate Automotive today. We provide FREE vehicles safety checks on air conditioning, brake repair, wheel alignment and check engine light trouble codes! We’ll make sure your car is top working order and ready to help you enjoy these last few day of summer.

Written by Dave Erb