How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Summer

Taking the time to prepare your vehicle for the warmer months ahead will help ensure its reliability, performance, and safety this summer. Just as you want to protect your vehicle in winter from cold temperatures and challenging driving conditions, you also want to make certain that your car, truck, or SUV is equipped to handle the heat and ever-changing weather of summer. In this guide, our service team at Fred Martin Superstore discusses some of the most important auto maintenance tasks that should be included on every Akron and Canton driver’s summer preparation checklist.

Inspect the Air Conditioning and Cooling Systems

Your air conditioner keeps you and your passengers comfortable and safe as you take to Medina roads this summer. Confirm that it’s in proper working order by testing its operation and checking that cold air is coming from all vents. If the A/C isn’t producing cold air, schedule service sooner rather than later.

Also, inspect the cooling system. This is the system that prevents the engine from overheating, which is especially crucial in summer, as the engine is being bombarded with heat from both inside and out. Find the coolant reservoir under the hood. On its side, you’ll see a fill line. If the coolant is below this line, top it off before the hottest days of summer.

Replace Windshield Wipers

It’s no secret that the weather can change on a dime here in the Barberton/Norton area, and you want to be prepared as much as possible. Assess the condition of your windshield wipers to guarantee that they’ll be able to tackle summer rains with ease. If the wipers are leaving streaks on your windows, it’s a good indicator that replacements are in order.

Check the Tires

Your tires play a big role in vehicle safety, as they are–quite literally–where the rubber meets the road. Check that your tires are in good repair and properly inflated for summer. If you spot any punctures or tears, have the tire(s) repaired or replaced as soon as possible. If they’re underinflated, add more air, bearing in mind that the air inside a tire tends to expand in the heat of summer. Consult your owner’s manual or our service team for specific PSIi recommendations for your tires during the warmer months of the year.

Test the Battery

No one wants to be left with a dead battery, especially if you’re on a summertime road trip far from home. Have your service provider test the battery charge to determine how much power remains, and replace the battery if needed. If you see any corrosion around the terminals, gently remove it with an old toothbrush and a baking soda/water solution.

Let Fred Martin Superstore Take Care of Your Summer Auto Maintenance Needs

Our team is on hand to take care of these and all other auto maintenance needs. Contact us to schedule an appointment or use our convenient online scheduling tool. In the meantime, check out our service videos for expert car care advice. We look forward to helping your vehicle maintain peak performance and condition this summer and all year through.