PauloAbad
Summer is not only a great time to go beaching and strut your shorts or bikinis, but it’s also an awesome opportunity to go on an amazing road trip. However, before you hit the road, you mustn’t forget to make sure your new or preowned car is in good shape, otherwise you’ll start your getaway trying to fix a breakdown. Below are a few vehicle maintenance tips that will help you avoid costly car repairs this summer.
Find Cool Parking
Prolonged exposure of your dashboard to sunlight will leave its surface discolored and the steering wheel scorched. And that’s not to mention the sweltering temperature you’ll face the moment you open the doors! So as much as possible, best find indoor parking spaces or those near large shades. That way, you can minimize the car interior’s heat. Oh, and get your auto a nice reflective sunshade while you’re at it.
Check the Tires
You also need to check your car tires before you take off, since your safety would depend heavily on them. Tires are the only parts of your ride in contact with the hot road, after all; under or over-inflated tires tend to wear quicker, which could lead to accidents. So aside from bringing a spare tire, make sure the four currently on the mags are in tiptop condition.
Clean Smelly Seats
The combination of summer heat, sweat, and vapor helps build up mold, bacteria, and spores in your vehicle seats, leaving it smelly and dirty. To combat this problem, best wash and clean your new or used car at least once a week. And don’t forget to bring along a few good deodorizers and antibacterial auto products on your escapades.
Change Engine Oil
Engine oil is every vehicle’s lifeblood. Aside from keeping your engine running, it also helps cool it, lubricate internal parts, and prevent corrosion. Gradually, though, it will get dirty and dried up, especially during summers. So if you’re planning a summer getaway, better inspect your ride’s engine oil first and have it replaced if needed.
Watch the Check-Engine Light
An activated check-engine light can say a lot about your car’s condition. Although, it won’t tell you exactly what’s wrong with your auto, it does indicate that your ride is unhealthy in one way or another. So in case your check-engine light is on whenever you start your car, best don’t ignore it.
Final Thoughts
Car maintenance is vital whether it’s summertime or not. So if you want your beloved ride to stay healthy in hot seasons or cold, best take good care of it.
Need additional cash this summer? Apply for a Car Collateral Loan to get cash and keep your car with you!