Some Summer Car Care Advice

Remember what Mom used to say on hot summer days? Use sunscreen and stay hydrated, right?

Her advice is as good now as it was back then, but what about your car? How do you make sure it can handle the high temperatures of summer? We can help you out with the same kind of time-tested recommendations Mom would give you—if she had grown up in an auto repair shop and was a Master mechanic!

Battery TLC

First off, make sure your battery is ready to withstand the extra miles and extreme heat of June, July, and August. Battery fluid evaporates when it gets hotter, which can lead to corrosion of terminals and connections, so be sure to check out fluid levels. While you’re at it, make sure the battery is securely mounted. Vibration can cause it to age faster. If your battery is more than three years old, we recommend bringing it in for testing.     

Keep Things Cool

Your cooling system protects your engine from overheating. It’s best to let us regularly flush the system to keep everything cool. Periodically check the overflow reservoir to ensure the coolant is filled to the proper level. If necessary, fill with a 50/50 mix of water and a recommended coolant and don’t ever remove the cap when the engine is hot. You can suffer serious burns that will drain the fun right out of your summer.

Big Summer Blowouts (You Should Avoid)  

Under-inflated tires can overheat, increasing the chance of failure. Especially when the mercury rises. It’s a good idea to check your tire pressure at least once each month since tires typically lose about one pound of pressure monthly. For the most accurate reading, do the test when the tires are cold. Use the recommendations in the vehicle owner’s manual or on the door jamb for the correct pressure for your vehicle, not the tire sidewall. When it comes to your car tires, we want to make sure you avoid big summer blowouts!

She Was Right About Fluids   

When she told you to stay hydrated, Mom was making sure you had plenty of fluid in your system. This is the right choice for your car, too. Though we mentioned battery fluid and coolant above, it’s just as important to keep motor oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid filled to proper levels. Check these regularly or simply bring your car in for scheduled maintenance and we’ll ensure all systems are good-to-go so you can get out there and have some good, safe summer fun. We’ve provided decades of honest, reliable automotive repair and maintenance. Our team is staffed with skilled customer service professionals and highly trained mechanics dedicated to getting you back on the road ASAP with a perfectly-running vehicle. We can offer a 24-month/24,000-mile warranty on repairs and service because our ASE-certified technicians always use the right parts, fluids, and equipment. Ready to spend your summer road trip with the wind in your hair and the music blasting? Hydrate, apply sunscreen, and give Bender’s Auto Care a call at 626-332-3022 or request an appointment online today