Summer road trips are approaching, so your vehicle needs to be ready to handle the summer heat drive. Summer’s high temperatures can take a toll on your vehicle’s systems. With these services, you can better prepare your car and help it run smoothly and safely through summer and into fall. 

Six Summer Maintenance Tips for Drivers in Jonesville, NC

1. Get Your Oil and Oil Filter Changed

If your last oil change was a while ago, the intense weather condition of any kind (wet, hot, or cold) could put extra demands on your oil and oil filter. Regularly changing your oil is important because it keeps your engine parts lubricated while the filter works to capture harmful debris, dirt, and metal fragments that have found their way into the oil system. A clean filter will capture more harmful materials that result in cleaner oil.

2. Double-Check Your Fluid Levels

Seasonal weather changes can lead to low transmission fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, and windshield wiper fluid, so check them all! Coolant fluid, in particular, is especially important to check before the summer season. The majority of summer breakdowns are caused by overheating. If you’re not comfortable or experienced in performing these checks on your own, stop by Jody’s Automotive Repair and Lube Shop and let one of our technicians take a look at your car. 

3. Check Your Tire Pressure Regularly

Tire loss or gain pressure daily depending on factors that include hitting hidden potholes, dealing with difficult road conditions, and outside temperature. In cool weather, a tire will typically lose one or two pounds of air per month. Make sure your tires are properly inflated before hitting the road for a big road trip because tires with low air pressure tend to wear out more quickly. 

4. Evaluate Your Alignment

If you notice your call pulling to one side, your steering wheel vibrating, or your steering wheel isn’t centered when you’re driving straight, you need to get your vehicle’s alignment checked. Alignment can be misaligned by general wear and tear, as well as driving on rough roads, potholes, and curbs. Proper alignment can help extend the life of your tires, make for a smoother ride, and even gas efficiency. 

5. Test Your Battery

Summer heat accelerates the rate of fluid loss and causes the oxidation of the battery component, which can leave you stranded without warning. The summer heat is the number one cause of battery failure and reduced battery life. Use a battery tester to get a general idea for when your battery might fail, or stop by your nearest automotive repair shop for a battery test. 

6. Get Your Brakes Inspected

A brake inspection is important when it comes to lowering the risk of car collisions. There are some obvious signs that your brakes need servicing, such as a brake light appearing on your car’s dashboard or feeling your vehicle is taking longer to stop than it should. You should visit your local mechanic for a brake check as soon as possible.

Basic maintenance services like oil changes or brake inspections are the perfect place to start before summer. Jody’s Automotive Repair and Lube Shop in Jonesville, NC, can help you get back to enjoying your summer road trips. Contact us today and schedule an appointment today.