4 Summer Car Care Tips

With the hot summer winds upon us, the last thing you want to do is get overheated because your car, truck or SUV can’t keep up with the rising temperatures. With the increase in heat come new potential problems for your auto that you can protect against with some preventative maintenance.

1. Keep in mind your coolant.
This is often the first thing people think of when it comes to cars and hot weather, but most people don’t pay attention to coolant levels until they see puddles of it in their parking space or their vehicle overheats. For more info on proper coolant care, check out our post, “What’s the Right Coolant for My Car?”

2. Check your battery.
High temps can cause the acids and fluids in your battery to expand resulting in leaks. This increases the likelihood that your battery will fail. If your battery is more than two to three years old, consider taking it in to your mechanic to have it tested, and if need be, have it changed out.

3. Inspect your tire pressure.
As you drive around during the summer, you will likely see more tire debris along the side of the road and highway. Heat causes the pressure in your tires to rise. If your tires already have some wearing, this can lead to an early blow out. Get a tire gauge and check the pressure or have a pro do it for you.

4. Watch for stretched and worn belts and hoses.
Belts and hoses stretch and deteriorate with age. Heat accelerates the process. If you wear out a serpentine belt or have a leaky hose, you’ll likely end up stranded on the side of the road.

Here are some additional basic safety steps you will want to take for summer time driving.

Keep your cell phone with you. Your cell phone can become your best friend if you find yourself stranded on the side of the road. Make sure you keep your cell battery charged.

Keep an eye on landmarks. If you’re traveling in your local area, you will be able to give exact instructions to a tow truck or other emergency vehicle, however, if you’re traveling in an unfamiliar area, you will want to pay attention to any landmarks and mileage markers.

Store some spare fluids. With the high temperatures, it’s a wise idea to keep extra fluids with you for both you and your auto. It’s best to keep an extra quart of oil and a gallon of water in your trunk.

Get a free quote on an extended warranty plan. Getting stranded in the hot weather is bad enough; don’t overheat or blow a gasket a second time when you see the invoice from your mechanic, and from the car rental company, and from the tow truck company, when you could have those costs covered with an extended warranty plan. Get your free quote today filling in some basic information on our Get Started page or calling us toll free at (888) 807-3531.

American Auto Assurance
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