Prepare Your Car For The Summer
Being on the road is quintessentially American, nowadays mixing the liberating promise of adventure and possibility with an opportunity to, however briefly, leave everyday anxieties behind.
The Californian coastline offers breath-taking vistas that will leave you in awe of the forces that created them, from seafront views along Highway 1 to redwood groves to the Wine Country to the beauty and rich literary history of the Big Sur.
So, if you are planning on taking a road trip this summer, here are some tips to make sure you stay safe and free to enjoy the rich natural and historical offerings of this region.
The following will not only help keep you safe, but will also increase your fuel efficiency:
- Oil check- Perform regular oil checks every 3,000 miles or every 3 months; otherwise, the engine may overheat and cut your tip short. When checking oil, look both for the oil level and for oil quality – if it’s too low or dark and dirty, it may be time for a complete change;
- Tire check-Start by swapping winter tires for lighter, summer ones. Before setting off, adjust pressure according to your manual, and especially if carrying considerable load. Also always have a good spare ready, and check for misaligned or worn-out tires (with insufficient tread), orimproperly inflated (overinflated or underinflated) tires;
- Battery check–Make sure the battery isn’t overcharging, and is holding a charge well;
- Radiator and coolant check–In order to keep the engine cool, check coolant levels are fine, and the fan belt is working properly, and that there are no coolant leaks when your car has been parked for a while;
- Hoses and belts–Do a visual check, ensuring they’re firm and free from cracks or other damage;
- Brake check-Have your brakes checked by a specialist, especially if there is a loud grinding sound (like metal against metal) when you brake. Other symptoms you will want to look out for include warning lights on the dashboard, or unusual brake pedal behavior, like being very hard or very soft;
- Air filter and AC check–Examine the air filter and replace if needed, and make sure your air conditioning is fully functional. If not, you may need to have a specialist look at it.
- Windshield prep- Prepare for summer showers by replacing your windshield wipers (the entire blade if needed), and by thoroughly cleaning the windshield to maximize visibility.