Summer Driving Tips: Your Maintenance Checklist

We all know that Chicago winters can wreak havoc on your car, but did you know that our summers can be just as hard on your car? That’s why we’ve put together a list of summer driving tips to help you avoid any difficulties so you can make the most of your summer.

Summer car maintenance makes driving safer

Staying safe on the roads means keeping your vehicle properly maintained. This is especially important when you’re getting ready to leave the city behind for a summer road trip.

Read on for some important summer driving safety tips that can help you protect your vehicle no matter your plans.

Clean your vehicle

Go to a car wash and make sure the underside of your car is thoroughly cleaned. Choose a car wash that cleans the underbody to remove any mud that may have accumulated, as mud can trap moisture against the metal and damage your car. While you’re washing your car, clean the wheel wells to remove any hidden dirt. This will give you a chance to check your tires and make sure everything is in tip-top shape.

Check your tires

Under-inflated or over-inflated tires are both dangerous and can cause a blowout. Check your tire pressure at least once a month, as tires typically lose 1-3 pounds of pressure per month due to leaks. However, in the summer, extreme heat can cause tire pressure to naturally increase, so you may have the opposite problem.

Always follow the inflation pressure recommendations for your specific make and model of tire, and don’t forget to check your spare tire. Also, check your tire’s tread for wear. You can use the “penny method” by placing a penny upside down between the ribs of the tread. If the top of the head is exposed, the tire needs to be replaced.

We also recommend that you have your tires checked by a professional before a long journey. This is best done when you schedule a wheel alignment service at Bucaro Brothers.

Check your battery

Most batteries have a lifespan of 3-5 years. If your battery is already in this age range, you may want to consider getting a new one before hitting the road. Find out if your car battery is still reliable by visiting Bucaro Brothers for a battery check.

Check Your Belts and Hoses

Belts and hoses may crack, fray or loosen over time. Have a qualified mechanic inspect these components to ensure the safety and reliability of your vehicle.

The inspection should include checking both the serpentine belt and the timing belt. If either belt is damaged, it could break unexpectedly, causing engine failure or other serious problems. If your mechanic finds any wear or the belt has more than 60,000 miles on it, you may need to replace it.

Protect your cooling system

The cooling system prevents your vehicle from overheating. Take your car to a mechanic to have the cooling system checked and the coolant replaced if necessary. The cooling system includes the radiator, cooling fan, thermostat, and other necessary parts.

You can trust Bucaro Brothers for all of your cooling system needs, including leak detection, radiator flushing, radiator repair in Chicago, and more.

Fluid replacement

In addition to coolant, other fluid levels should be checked regularly, including:

• Engine Oil
• gearbox oil
• Brake fluid
• Power Steering Fluid
• Windshield washer fluid

Visit Bucaro Brothers today and have one of our skilled technicians refill or replace your fluids to help keep your vehicle running smoothly.

Check and replace wiper blades

These are often overlooked, but always make sure your wiper blades are in good condition. Bug spray, tree sap, and other debris can quickly build up on your windshield during the summer. The last thing you want on a long drive is a blurry view.

If your wiper blades are more than 6 months old or are streaking, it may be time to replace them.

Check your air conditioner

On hot summer days, it’s best to make sure your car’s air conditioning system is working properly. Prevent AC failure by having our certified technicians perform a thorough inspection.

emergency plan

Even with good preventative maintenance, summer breakdowns can still happen and you need to be prepared. You should have a comprehensive emergency kit in your vehicle, especially when you travel to remote areas. We recommend a kit that contains the following items:

• First aid kit
• bottled water
• Distilled water for radiator
• Non-perishable foods such as granola bars, canned fruit, etc.
• Cutlery and openers, such as a can opener or scissors
• Flashlight and spare batteries
• Phone Charger
• Warning devices, such as hazard triangles, road flares or emergency lights
• Some basic tools, such as a crescent wrench, pliers, and a screwdriver
• Jumper cables
• Blankets (Yes, even in the summer. You may be traveling to an area where temperatures can drop dramatically at night.)
• Hiking shoes or snow boots

Trust Bucaro Brothers for your car’s summer maintenance

Many of the maintenance tasks we recommend can be performed by the average driver. Other tasks are best left to trained automotive technicians like Bucaro Brothers. For reliable engine diagnostics, car A/C repair, tire service, and other automotive services, contact us today.

Don’t let your car fall victim to Chicago’s summer heat. Visit us for comprehensive car care and more safe summer driving tips.