Is your vehicle ready for summer?

There are many things that can have a negative effect on the way your car runs. High temperatures, stop-and-go traffic, over-sized loads and extended use of the air conditioner can all put a serious burden on your vehicle. But with a little TLC, your car or truck will be ready to tackle the dog days of summer in no time.

Before you hit the road, it's smart to have your A/C serviced to make sure it can handle the hot temperatures. Your A/C can slowly leak refrigerant, causing the compressor to operate for longer periods than usual. That can put an added strain on your engine. If your A/C doesn't feel as cool as it should, have it checked out by a qualified mechanic.

You should also replace the coolant in your vehicle. The coolant and water mixture for a vehicle's radiator should measure to 50:50. You can see if it does by looking at the temperature gauge on your dash. Keeping fresh antifreeze in the coolant system is just as important as any other maintenance. If you can't remember the last time your coolant was replaced, it's probably time for a system flush and fill.

Check the battery on your car. Changing your car battery every three years will save you a lot of trouble. On average, a battery will last anywhere from two to three years. As it ages, it holds less of a charge. Check for any corrosion or leaks, and clean up anything you see.

Have your tires rotated about every 5,000 miles, and check the pressure of your tires once a month. As road temperatures increase, so will the pressure in your tires. Take the time to give them a close inspection. Look for dry rot, bumps or uneven wear. A small problem can turn into a flat in a hurry.

Don't forget to replace your windshield wipers. Most experts say wiper blades should be replaced every 6 to 12 months for optimum performance and driving visibility. Considering how inexpensive quality replacement blades can be, it makes sense to go ahead and make the swap before you can’t see during a summer rainstorm.

Examine your hoses. Your vehicle is likely going to be exposed to some pretty severe heat as the weather warms up, and that means the coolant system will be under increased pressure to keep everything the right temperature. Take the time to look over the hoses. There shouldn't be any cracks, cuts or odd bulges and the hose should be a little flexible to the touch.

Check the belts on your vehicle. As things warm up under your hood, an old belt can easily begin to slip on the pulleys. That may mean that things like your air conditioning, power steering or charging system won't be operating as efficiently as they should be. You can press down on a suspended section of the belt with the engine off to test it. If the belt moves more than a quarter-inch, it's time for a replacement.

Replace all your fluids. Changing your oil is easy to remember, but don't forget about your transmission, power-steering and brake fluids. Everything should be at the proper level and should be the appropriate color. If anything looks dark or burnt, have it flushed and replaced right away.

Summer sun and heat are particularly harsh on your car's paint. Sweltering temperatures, road grime and intensive ultraviolet rays combine to do a number on metal and paint. While a good car wash is a solid place to start, most experts recommend a good polishing four times a year to clear contaminants and reduce the chance of oxidation.

Bob Tyler Toyota
201 Pensacola Blvd.
Pensacola, FL 32505 
850-478-9999 
http://bobtylertoyota.com/Default.aspx