Top 5 Car Maintenance Tips To Do Before the Phoenix Summer Hits

Here in Phoenix Arizona, temperatures are on the rise. Is your car ready to take on the blistering summer heat? You’ll want to be certain that it is before the temperatures go any higher. Schedule an appointment with an automotive mechanic now for vehicle maintenance before the highest temperatures arrive. Performing routine vehicle maintenance can head off more costly repairs later on.

1. Inspect The AC System

When you think of summertime requirements, air conditioning may be the first thing that comes to mind. Does the air blowing out from your AC feel as cold as it should? If not you may be low on refrigerant. Simply adding more may help for a while, but the root cause may be a cracked hose or faulty seal. The high temperatures in Phoenix Arizona result in hoses and seals that deteriorate more quickly than normal. If a leaking seal or hose isn’t repaired it may damage the air compressor, creating a much more costly repair.

During a Phoenix Arizona summer, even a few days without AC can be unbearable, so it’s always a good idea to have your AC inspected before you really need it.

2. Check Coolant Levels

In Phoenix Arizona it’s essential to remember that your vehicle’s cooling system will have to work much harder to keep your vehicle from overheating than it would in a more moderate climate. Using an antifreeze tester, check the composition of the fluid in the radiator. The mixture should contain 50 percent coolant and 50 percent water, so adjust it accordingly. If you radiator contained only water it would boil at 212 degrees, but by mixing antifreeze and water in equal parts you achieve a much higher boiling point.

3. Check Tire Pressure

Don’t just eyeball them, use a tire gauge. Your vehicles owners’ manual will tell you the correct tire pressure. Even if your tires were properly inflated last month you may need to adjust the pressure to compensate for the heat now. The air pressure in your tires rises due to summer’s higher temperatures. Since air is a gas it will expand as it heats.

It’s essential to always have properly inflated tires. Tire pressure affects both traction and gas mileage. In the worst case scenario an improperly inflated tire could lead to a blowout.

4. Check The Battery

Hot weather can be just as hard on a battery as cold weather, so it’s a good idea to have your battery tested by an automotive mechanic yearly. In addition, check for signs of corrosion around the battery terminals. Battery failure can happen with little or no warning, so it’s always good idea to keep a set of jumper cables in the trunk.

5. Change The Oil

If you’ve ever used the saying “as slow as molasses in winter” you can understand why your vehicle may need different oil in the summertime. The warmer the oil is the thinner it gets. If it gets too thin it may not keep the engine properly lubricated. Read your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine what type of oil is recommended for summer time use.

Preventative vehicle maintenance is the key to a worry free, breakdown free summer.