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Summer and Warmer Weather Are Coming. Is Your Vehicle Ready?

• May 7, 2014
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Summer is coming help your vehicle prepare for warmer weather

Summer heat can zap the energy out of you and require you to take extra precautions for your health, the same goes for you vehicles. Below are five tips to help your vehicle run safely.

1. Check your batteries

While you most often hear people talk about battery issues in the cold of winter, summer heat can negatively impact your battery’s function as well. Vibration and heat are a batteries worst enemy. While there is little you can do about naturally occurring heat, you can take the steps to make sure you battery is securely mounted; allowing as little vibration of the battery as possible.
Remember, Burlington Automotive offers battery testing and inspection at anytime.

2. Keep your engine cool
Your vehicle’s cooling system’s job is to protect the engine from overheating. Without maintenance of your vehicle’s cooling system, the odds of summer time overheating and engine damage increase. Overtime your engine’s coolant can become contaminated causing depletion of its protective additive. That’s why flushing and replacement of your vehicle’s coolant is recommended. For specific recommendations for your vehicle feel free to call our shop and speak to one of our trained Service Advisors.

3. Check your Tire Pressure

Did you know that driving on under-inflated tires not only affects your vehicle’s handling capabilities, but can also increase the heat of the tire which in turn increases the likelihood of a blow out?

Tires should always be inflated to the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. The recommended PSI for tires is usually located on a sticker on the driver’s side door jam, or in the glove box. If you can’t find your vehicle recommendations feel free to contact us, we would be happy to help you find them.

4. Check your fluids
Just as you need additional fluids in summer heat, so does your vehicle. Engine fluids are essential to keep a vehicle running smoothly. Most fluids not only lubricate, they also serve as coolants by helping carry heat away from critical components. When fluid levels are low, this cooling effect is reduced, and the possibility of overheating increases. Drivers should check all vehicle fluids including motor oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid to ensure they are filled to the appropriate levels. If any fluids need to be topped off, be sure to use the type of fluid specified in the owner’s manual. If you have to top off any of your vehicles fluids repeatedly, this may indicate a problem and you should schedule an appointment to have your vehicle inspected for issues.

5. Stay Cool inside your vehicle

Staying a comfortable temperature while driving can reduce your fatigue and help you to stay more alert. If your vehicle’s air conditioning is not maintaining a comfortable interior temperature, it could mean that your refrigerant levels are low and need recharges or there may be other issues. If you suspect either of these issues, call us and schedule an appointment, air conditioning system inspections and recharges start at just $99.

Remember, regular maintenance of your vehicle helps to keep you and your passengers safe and sound for the many trips and miles ahead. Call Burlington Automotive today to schedule your vehicle maintenance service and get ready for summer!