The cold and dark days of winter are behind us now, and it’s time to start planning for your summer road trips! But before you get that picnic basket packed, make sure that your vehicle is ready for the warmer months ahead. In this month’s blog, we cover a maintenance routine in a few steps to help get your vehicle in tip top shape!
If you are the DIY type, you can go through these steps on your own. Or, if you prefer to have a service professional do a full inspection of your vehicle, we at Car Kings would be happy to get your vehicle ready for summer fun.
Step 1: Tires
The biggest enemy of our tires are the road hazards we encounter every time we drive. Winter months subject your tires to ice, road salt, and of course, potholes. Pot holes are a major cause of wheel mis-alignment. Without addressing your vehicle’s alignment issues, your tires can quickly become worn in many places. Inspect your tire treads for wear and tear. Treads should have some depth if they are not worn out. Worn treads are thin and may even have bald or open spots where you can see the inner threads of your tire. If your tires cannot pass the penny test, then they probably need to be replaced. Insert a penny upside down in your tread and if you see Abraham Lincoln’s head your treads are worn. While checking the treads, make sure to check the air pressure of each tire. Depending on the tire, air pressure may need to be modified for warmer temperatures. This is because tires will expand under heat. That’s why checking air pressure when tires are not hot is the best way to get an accurate read.
Step 2: Oil
Oil is such a vital fluid for your vehicle. Motor oil keeps the parts lubricated, cooled, and cleaned. Over time and use, oil gets dirty and may even be thick and sludgy. If you check your oil and it looks dark and grimy, it is best to do a complete oil and filter change. Check with your vehicle owner’s manual for the specific grade of oil to use in warmer months.
Step 3: Coolant
Another important fluid for your vehicle is the coolant. Coolant is a precise mixture of water and antifreeze. Coolant keeps your engine parts from freezing in cold temperatures and also maintains the temperature on hot days. Check the coolant level and replenish any coolant that is needed. Better yet, consider a coolant flush to replace all of the coolant in your system. Like oil, coolant also collects dirt and grime with use. Check with one of our service professionals at Car Kings about a coolant flush. Normally, a coolant flush is also an opportunity to check the system for any possible leaks before those leaks become bigger problems.
Step 4: Other Vital Vehicle Fluids
Finally, make sure to check the levels on all of your other vital vehicle fluids – such as the windshield wiper fluid, power steering and brake fluids, as well as your transmission fluid. Consult with your owner’s manual on specifications and details on each of these fluids in your vehicle.
If you get a jump start on some simple maintenance tasks for your vehicle, you increase your chances of a problem-free summer. Focus on enjoying the warmer days ahead of us and not on costly repairs and aggravation because you avoided your vehicle’s maintenance needs.
If you would like a full inspection of your vehicle and recommendations on getting your vehicle ready for spring and summer, contact us today at Car Kings to schedule an appointment with one of our service professionals.