Summer Car Safety

Summer Car Safety Checklist   

Harsh, cold winter weather and spring's wet climate can do a number on your car and wreck havoc in ways you can't even see. Before you set out on your summer road trips, go through this checklist to keep your car in top safety shape. After all, it's better to spend a little time and money checking on things now than to have to deal with larger issues later.    

• Check tires. Check the tread and pressure on your tires and repair, replace, and realign as necessary, especially before taking a long road trip. Put a penny in the tire tread-if you can see Lincoln's head then your tire should be replaced. Your owner's manual will tell you the proper inflation for your tires. Good tires can also save you money at the pump! ·
• Inspect belts and hoses. Hot summer temperatures increase the speed that rubber belts and hoses degrade. Take a look under the hood to see if there are blisters, cuts, or cracks in the rubber and replace the hoses as necessary. ·       Check the oil. Oil should be changed every 3,000-5,000 miles, and now is a good time to make sure your oil isn't dark or grimy.
• Flush the radiator.  Have the old coolant flushed out of your radiator once a year to prevent corrosion and to keep your cooling system running at its best. 
• Replace the air filter. This should be done every 12,000 miles, and now is a great time to replace a filter that is surely grimy after winter and spring driving, especially if you frequently drive on dirt or gravel roads.
• Service air conditioner. Take your car to a professional to check your A/C unit for leaks and low refrigerant levels. Air conditioners should be checked every three years or more often if you use it frequently. 
• Check brakes. Have a professional take a look at your brakes to make sure everything is working properly and that you have enough brake fluid. 
• Check the battery. Harsh winter weather can be incredibly corrosive to the battery and lead to starting problems. Check to make sure your battery and all cables are properly and securely connected. 
• Replace windshield wipers. Check to see if your wipers are cracked or torn, and then start the season with a fresh pair of wipers to get you through those summer rainstorms.
• Check your headlights. Make sure your lights are working at a good brightness level and replace if necessary.