Summer heat can be intense, with temperatures exceeding highs of 100° for weeks at a time.
While this may certainly take a toll on your body and mind, it can also take a toll on your vehicle.
This is why it is wise to conduct maintenance checks on your vehicle before the summer heat sets in.
However, as the saying goes, you’re better late than never. So even if the summer heat has already started, it is still in your vehicle’s best interest to have it inspected and serviced so that you don’t run into any heat-related issues down the road.
Read on for a list of three tips to help you get your car as ready for the summer heat as possible.
#1 - Check your tires.
Take a look at all of your tires—including the spare tire if you have one. Keep an eye out for the following:
- Cuts
- Gouges
- Sidewall bulges
You can check the tread on your tires by inserting a quarter upside down into the grooves. If you can see the top of George Washington’s head, you should replace the tires.
After your car has been idle for a while and you are sure your tires are cool, check the tire pressure. You will get the most accurate reading of the pressure in your tires when the air inside them is cool.
Inflate your tires as needed to the tire pressure recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. You can either find it in your car’s owner’s manual or on the sticker of the driver-side door jamb. It is best not to use the number found on the sidewall of the tire.
#2 - Examine your brakes.
A grinding sound or a vibration while applying the brakes may indicate they need to be serviced. If this is the case, be sure to take your vehicle in for maintenance as soon as possible.
A professional will be able to inspect the brake system, including the:
- Fluids (for leaks)
- Pads
- Rotors
- Shoes
- Drums
#3 - Inspect the battery.
It is a good idea to make sure the battery in your car has clean and tight cable connections. Additionally, it is important that the hold-down hardware is secure.
You can ask a service professional to check your battery to assess its remaining life.
We Can Help Injured Crash Victims
If despite all your careful vehicle maintenance you’ve been hurt in a car crash through no fault of your own, you may be owed compensation for your injuries. Don’t hesitate to connect with our skilled team at Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation right away to discover your options for recovering your losses.
We have assisted many others in similar circumstances and we will do our best to help with your case too.
Contact our office today by calling (310) 683-2300 or filling out the online contact form to discuss the details of your case and learn more about how we can help you.