7 Ways to Prep Your Vehicle for Summer

How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Summer

Chances are that you may be planning a road trip this summer. After you've mapped your route, made a checklist of what to pack, and figured out where to eat, make sure your vehicle is fully prepared to hit the open road. Keep reading for our tips to make your road trip smooth and what auto services you may need.

Check your tires and tire pressure

Inspect all of yout tires, including the spare tire if you have one. Carefully look for cuts, gouges, or bulging along the sides. Check your tire tread by placing a quarter upside down into the grooves. If you can see the top of George Washington's head, it's time to come in for new tires.

In order to check tire pressure, make sure the vehicle has been idle and the tires are cool. Check your owner's manual or the inside sticker of the driver's door to find out what the manufacturer's recommended pressure is and then inflate if necessary.

Listen to and feel the brakes

If you hear a grinding sound or feel a vibration when braking, bring your vehicle into our South Carolina service center to get a brake inspection. A member of our Superior Kia service team will look at your brake pads, shoes, and drums, and also inspect for fluid leaks.

Test your battery and make sure it's secured

Check your vehicle's battery to make sure cable connections are tight and the hold down hardware is secure. Bring your car into our service center to have a professional do a battery check.

Top off oils and fluids

Check that engine oil and all fluids including coolant, transmission, and power steering fluids are at the recommended levels. When adding fluids be sure to use the products that meet the specifications listed in your owner's manual.

Note that newer vehicle models may have a sealed transmission and no dipstick. Electric power steering vehicles may not use fluid.

Replace wiper blades and replenish windshielf cleaner

Windshield wiper blades deteriorate with time. If you notice wiper streaks, be sure to replace your blades. Top off your winshield wiper fluid as this is formulated to help remove insects and other debris. You also should test to make sure the nozzles are spraying correctly.

Check belts and hoses

Your vehicle's engine water pump and accessories like the alternator and air conditioning compressor are powered by the reinforced rubber drive belts. Due to this role, it's important to replace any belts that may be cracked, frayed, or glazed.

Newer belt materials don't always show signs of wear and tear so as a general rule, make sure to replace them every 60,000 miles.

Keep an eye out for worn, brittle, bulging, or extremely soft radiator hoses. If you notice these characteristics, replace as soon as possible. You should also check for leaks around hose clamps, at the radiator, and at the water pump.

Keep the air conditioner running cool

Take a drive with the air conditioner running and if you notice a decrease in cooling ability, bring the car into our Orangeburg, SC auto repair center.