Welcome back lovelies! The warm weather is finally here and it’s time to get your car ready for that road trip you’ve been planning with the girls. Whether you’re heading to the beach or the city, we have all the information you need to help get you there safely and comfortably.
#1 – Tires
It’s time to switch over from your winter tires to your summers! Before you put your summer tires on, check the tread for wear or damage, and set the air pressure to your vehicle’s recommended PSI (Look for a sticker on your driver’s side door). If the tread meets the wear bar (Blue Arrow), or one area is more worn (Red Arrow), your tires are no longer road-worthy.
#2 – Wiper Blades
Your wiper blades go through a lot during the winter, so it’s always a good idea to replace them while you’re doing your summer inspection. Your wiper blades should leave a clean, streak-free windshield after use. If your wipers are chattering, skipping, squealing, or visibly torn, it’s time for a new set.
#3 – Air Filters
Now it’s time to get under your hood! Your engine air filter can get really nasty if it’s not replaced regularly. Take it out of the housing and hold it up to the sky. If you can’t see light coming through it – it’s gotta go!
Most vehicles are equipped with a cabin air filter which should also be inspected in the same manner as the engine filter. To access the filter, you may need to remove the glove box. I promise it’s easier than it may seem!
Don’t let your filter end up like this one!
#4 – Fluid Levels
The number of fluid reservoirs in your car can seem really overwhelming, but don’t panic! We’re here to help!
Let’s start with your engine oil. Check the fluid level and color. The fluid should reach the ‘Full’ indicator on the dipstick. New oil looks similar to honey and will darken as the vehicle is used. Don’t forget to check the sticker on the windshield so that you know when you’re due for your next oil change!
Next up is your coolant. Engine coolant can be different colors depending on the vehicle. All you need to do is look at the reservoir. The level should be at the ‘Max’ line of the reservoir. If it’s low, you can top it up yourself with the appropriate coolant.
Running out of windshield washer fluid in the middle of a road trip is the worst! Fill up your reservoir before your trip so you can see clearly and keep your glass bug-free.
#5 – Battery Condition
Your battery should be clean and secure. This means there should be no debris on or around the terminals, no leaks anywhere, and it should be securely held down. Give the battery a wiggle, if it moves, it needs to be secured!
#6 – Brake Inspection
I think we can all agree that your braking system is an important part of your vehicle! Check your brake fluid level the same way you did the coolant, but don’t top it up if it’s low. As the brake pads wear down, your brake fluid reservoir will look less full – this is normal. Check your pads and rotors for wear or damage, and take your car on a test drive to check for noises.
#7 – A/C Operation
This part only applies if your vehicle is equipped with Air Conditioning. This one is easy to check! All you need to do is start your car and turn on the A/C. If it blows cool air, you’re good to go! If the air never gets nice and cold, you may need a refrigerant top-up. – Using a kitchen thermometer can help determine if it’s blowing cold enough!
Great job babe! That’s all there is to it, pretty simple right? Now that your car is ready for summer, it’s time for you to put on your swimsuit and get started on your tan! Don’t forget your sunscreen!
XOXO, Cate