Time to Summerize Your Car
You’ve heard of winterizing your car, and you do it every year – change to snow tires, check the emergency gear in the trunk, test flashlights, make sure the car battery is up to spec, stock up on wiper fluid… until your car is practically apocalypse-proof. 
But did you know that once winter is over and you’ve survived the blowing snow, drifts, and glaciers, it soon becomes time to prepare your car (and yourself) for the dog days of summer.
Summer is a time when driving can be fun. The season draws us out of our homes, our vision and spirit of exploration getting longer with the daylight. Whether you’re planning an extended summer road trip or a weekend getaway, or just driving in pursuit of those cool summer nights, it’s important to do some seasonal maintenance on the very thing that gets you out and about – your car. There are a few things you can do to prepare your car for a safe and fun summer of driving.
Cooling System
Check the radiator and hoses for leaks or cracks. Be sure all connections are secure. The reservoir should be half full. If it’s low, add coolant (AKA antifreeze).
Even after checking the cooling system, your engine could still overheat. Use the temperature gauge on the dashboard to keep an eye on the engine temperature as you drive. If the temperature gets too high, you can turn on the heat. It’s counter-intuitive and will be uncomfortable until you can get to safety, but this pulls hot air off the engine. If you can, pull over and let your engine cool down. Overheating can cause permanent damage, or even a fire.
Air Conditioning
Driving a car in the summer without air conditioning is something many people don’t like to even think about. But don’t wait to think about it until you’re out on the road and really need it. Inspect the air conditioning system compressor belt – if that belt breaks, your air conditioning is useless. Check the condenser (looks like a radiator) to make sure the fins are clean. When air moves easily around the condenser, the whole AC system works more efficiently, cooling you off faster and keeping you comfortable on those summer drives.
Tires
Have your winter tires changed out to summer tires, such as all season radials. You’ll get a better driving experience overall – more speed, better handling, and better fuel efficiency – with the proper tires for the season. If you already own the tires and are just having them put on, make sure they are not too old and the tread is still good. Check for uneven or excessive wear and make sure all tires, including the spare, are properly inflated.
Brakes
Have your brakes inspected to make sure they are in good condition. Hot weather can increase the operating temperature of your brakes, causing additional stress to the entire system, particularly to the pads. Make sure your pads, rotors, calipers, and/or drums are all ready to hit the road.
Engine Oil
Check the level and condition of the oil in the engine. Better yet, take your car to your local AAMCO for an oil and filter change. When driving in high temperatures – 90 to 100 degrees – it is sometimes recommended to switch to a heavier oil. Check your owner’s manual for information and recommendations on severe driving conditions.
Transmission Fluid
Make sure the transmission fluid is at the right level, is not dirty, and doesn’t smell burnt. Extreme heat can make the fluid less effective, and old fluid could cause problems. This is especially important if you are towing anything, as the added strain on the transmission could be magnified by bad fluid. Check your owner’s manual for the right fluid to use and the recommended maintenance interval.
Fluids
In general, check all your car’s vital fluids – oil, transmission, brake, power steering, coolant, battery water, and windshield wiper fluid.
Other Tips
It’s a good idea to carry a spare jug of wiper fluid and wiper blades for extended trips. Also, a gallon or two of potable water is always a good idea if you do a lot of driving in the hot summer months. It can be used for both your car and yourself.
Overall, extreme heat can do a lot of damage to a car – it can kill weak batteries, rapidly break down critical fluids and lubricants, cripple vital systems, such as engine cooling or air conditioning, cause hoses to leak or break, and worn belts to snap. As summer comes upon us, be sure to check the above mentioned maintenance items, or have them checked by a certified AAMCO mechanic.
Schedule an appointment with your local Minnesota AAMCO for a thorough multi-point inspection and have your car summerized!