In fact, the cooling system in your car stops the engine from overheating. (In summer especially when you have a long drive and temperatures are high). Doing a complete cooling system check with the car air conditioning recharging.
Radiator Inspection: Inspect for signs of leaks, corrosion or damage. Because the radiator is needed to dissipate heat, any problems should be rectified as soon as possible. The radiator cap retains the correct pressure in the cooling system. Be sure it is secure and not damaged.
Hoses Check: Check all cooling system hoses for cracks, leaks or loose connections. These hoses carry coolant from the engine to and fro. They harden over time and may break, particularly in high temperatures.
Coolant Level and Quality: Make sure that the coolant replenishment tank and radiator are full (when the engine is warm). It has to be somewhere between the lowest and highest marks. If it is low, add in the appropriate kind of coolant. In addition, the color of the coolant should be clear and not cloudy. Coolant that has gotten dirty or is low will not cool the engine properly. It may need to be replaced. These checks make sure that your car’s cooling system is able to handle the summer heat, so you don’t overheat the engine.
Tire Inspection and Maintenance
Tire Pressure: With a good tire gauge, test the pressure of all tires (including spare). In most cases, the proper pressure settings are shown on a sticker placed inside your driver’s door or in your vehicle’s manual. When the temperature is hot, naturally the tires expand. If they are not at a suitable pressure it will lead to blowouts and wasting of energy.
Tread Depth: Inspect the depth of tread on every tire. In the tire tread grooves, most tires feature raised sections called wear indicators. If these signs are at the level of this tire’s tread, then it is time to buy a new one. Alternatively, you can use the penny test fibahub: Insert a penny in the tread with Lincoln’s head down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tread is too low and must be changed.
Wear and Damage: Look for any uneven wear patterns, nicks or bulges. Uneven wear may be due to alignment, suspension or balance problems (which must receive professional treatment). Cuts or bulges will weaken the tire, so it is more likely to blowout on hot asphalt. If you keep both your cooling system and tires in top shape, the chances of a breakdown or an accident are greatly reduced, so the summer journeys and road trips will not only be safer for you but likely more fun as well.
Fluid Levels and Oil Change
Preparing to take long summer journeys? One of the most important aspects as far as your vehicle’s health and performance is that fluids need to be maintained at suitable levels. Here’s how to ensure your car’s fluids are adequately maintained:
Engine Oil: Check the oil level with a dipstick. In order to get an accurate reading, please pull it out and wipe clean before reinserting. The oil should fall between the lowest and highest marks. If low, refill with the appropriate type of oil. In addition, take a look at the color and consistency of the oil; if it’s dark brown. Practicing good oil change habits keeps the engine healthy, and your vehicle running well.
Power Steering Fluid: To check the power steering fluid, find the reservoir and take note of its level where it is marked on there. If it’s too low, then steering becomes either difficult or noisy. If it needs to be added, add some fluid and look for leaks. A lower-than-normal line usually means that there is a leak in the system somewhere.
Windshield Washer Fluid: Maintain good visibility by keeping your washer fluid full. During summer journeys, driving produces more dust and bugs on your windshield. Lots of washer fluid is a must to maintain clear vision.
Battery and Electrical System Check
Your vehicle’s battery and electrical system is its lifeblood. High summer temperatures can stress these components, so here’s how to ensure they’re in good shape:
Battery Test: Check the voltage with a car battery tester. A normal battery should show 12.6 volts when the car is sitting and more than 13 to less than 15 volts while running. Under 12.4 volts it may need to be recharged or replaced. Moreover, don’t forget the age of your battery; they usually last from 3 to 5 years. If your is old, you may want to replace it before a long journey.
Connections and Corrosion: Check the battery terminals for corrosion. It will appear to be a white, ashy stuff. Sprinkle with Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and water if there is any corrosion, then make the connections firm.
