Taking care of you car can prevent many accidents, like an overheated engine for instance. Keep your vehicle in good shape this coming summer with the following maintenance tips.
Easy Summer Maintenance Tips in San Pedro, CA
By now you should know the importance of proper car maintenance. If you're looking to
extend you car's life expectancy you must take care of it. With the rising temperatures your car needs a little extra help to remain cool and in perfect conditions. Check out this guide
San Pedro Synthetics brings you for summer maintenance in
San Pedro, CA.
;Maintain the Cooling System
The cooling system is paramount to keep your car rolling. After all, it only keeps the engine cool and safe from overheating. Take your car for maintenance, or at least check the coolant fluid levels at home. If the coolant is low, the system can’t complete its cycles. While you are at it, inspect the state of the hoses, touch them and squeeze them to be sure they’re not squishy or hard, just firm enough. Keep an eye out for leaks near the joints and connection points. Don’t forget that your car must be cool before you go exploring under the hood.
Replenish Basic Fluids
Fluids are used in every season, so they always need to be topped off. Some of them, motor oil for instance, are valuable players in keeping your engine cool. The constant rubbing of metal parts in the engine cause friction, which in turn can raise the engine’s temperature even more. You need a motor oil that will considerably reduce friction, an oil like synthetic oil. Synthetic oil lubricates and cools down the engine.
AMSOIL Synthetic Oil does a superb job when it comes to that. Next time you’re due for an oil change get a
synthetic oil change. You can purchase
AMSOIL’s Signature Series 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil ;for maximum engine lubrication, or browse through their
online store for even more options. Don’t forget to replace the
oil filter too! If you find yourself unsure of what product to get, call
San Pedro Synthetics at
(707) 567-7509 they will help you out.
Another fluid you need to check is the brake fluid. If your brakes are feeling spongy or aren’t reacting fast enough, you probably need new pads and a complete brake fluid change.
Air- Conditioning System
No one wants to go through summer with a broken AC. Maybe you ignored an existing problem during the winter, but now it’s time to get it fixed. Check that there’s enough refrigerant in the system. If the level is really low, you might be dealing with a leak.
Air Filter
Your air filter might be clogged, and it can really affect your
fuel efficiency. The recommended interval for an air filter is every 12,000 miles, it all depends on the road and air conditions in which you drive. Really, it’s up to you. Take it out and inspect it, if it’s really dirty it needs to be replaced, if it’s not maybe just cleaning it will do.
Check the Tires
Tires should be checked year round, even more so when the temperature rises. The heat affects the pressure, it actually makes the air expand. Be sure that all of your five tires (counting the spare) are properly inflated. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations found in your owner’s manual or the sticker in the driver’s door. ;Other than proper tire pressure, you should check that the tires are in good condition. This means they don’t have any cracks, uneven wear, or not enough tread depth. It might be time to get them replaced.
Think About the Exteriors and Interiors
Just like you can get sunburned from staying out too long, your car can get sunburned too. Unlike you, your vehicle doesn’t get a shade darker it gets lighter, as do your car’s interiors. It’s up to you to prevent this from happening. Firstly you must keep your car clean, so wash it and wax it to remove any heat-absorbing dirt and protect the paint job. Then you need to get a reflective sunshade for your windshield to keep the interior from getting really hot. If you can, use a quality leather or vinyl protector on your dashboard and seats to prevent discoloration. According to your
California ;state laws, tint your windows to block UV rays out. As often as you can, park your car under the shade or preferably in a garage.
Replace Wiper Blades
Wiper blades are supposed to be changed twice a year, which means summer is the ideal time to replace them. ; Summer rains can affect your visibility while driving if your wiper blades aren’t working well. When you take your car for an
AMSOIL synthetic oil change you can ask the mechanic if they sell wipers and if they can replace them for you. Likewise you can do it on your own at home, they are pretty cheap.
Be Prepared for an Emergency
The risk of an overheated engine is higher during the summer, if you’re not careful with your tire pressure it might make you tire burst. These are two possible situations that can leave you stranded on the road. You should always be prepared in case this were to happen. Keep an emergency kit in your car. It should include jumper cables, paper towels, a flashlight, roadside flares, a first-aid kit, and maybe some snacks and water.
All You Need for a Synthetic Oil Change in San Pedro, CA
Remember that an important part of caring for your car during the summer is getting a
synthetic oil change to help keep the engine cool. Whether you choose to take your vehicle to a mechanic or
change your oil at home, all the supplies you need are available from
AMSOIL Synthetic Oil. You can purchase them online or call
San Pedro Synthetics at
(707) 567-7509 for some guidance in choosing the right products for your vehicle.
Looking for a step by step How-To change your oil at home? ;
CLICK HERE for a great post with pictures and instructional video.