The Ultimate Summer Car Maintenance Checklist

Summertime is the ideal season for going on vacation and road-tripping. However, the season’s high temperatures can be brutal on your vehicle. Whether you plan to stay close to home or head off on a cross-country adventure, now is the right time to give your car a health check.

Follow this summer car maintenance checklist before leaving to preserve your car’s lifespan, save money on costly repairs, and ensure you’re ready to hit the road.

Check the Battery

Summer temperatures can strain car batteries, especially while drawing power for the air conditioning, infotainment system, and other onboard equipment. Give your car battery a visual inspection and look for signs of potential damage.

• Corroded terminals: If the battery’s terminals are covered in a crusty, white, green, or brownish substance, it is a sign of corrosion. If there is only a small amount of corrosion, you can clean the terminals by wiping them with a solution made of warm water and baking soda. If they are heavily corroded, replace the battery.

Inspect Your Car’s Fluid Levels

Before a long road trip, check your car’s essential fluids. Besides ensuring you have enough fuel in the tank, knowing the fluids to inspect and how to remedy potential issues can help prevent numerous problems.

• Engine oil: Before starting, ensure your engine is cool and hasn’t been running in the past hour. Performing an oil check while the engine is still hot can give inaccurate results. Pull the oil dipstick out of your engine, wipe it off, reinsert it, and then pull it out again to inspect the current oil level accurately. Ensure the oil levels are within the acceptable range. If it is too low, top up your engine with the manufacturer’s recommended oil. Afterward, inspect the oil’s color. Clean oil should appear yellow or amber. Consider an oil change before your summer trip if it appears black or deep brown.

• Transmission fluid: The best way to check the transmission fluid is while the engine is warm and running. Pull the transmission dipstick out, wipe it, reinsert it, and then pull it out again, as you would with the oil dipstick. The transmission dipstick should have notches indicating acceptable fluid levels. Ensure the transmission fluid levels are between the two notches, and check the fluid’s color. Healthy fluid should appear reddish. If it’s dark red or black, consider scheduling transmission fluid replacement.

• Brake fluid: You can check your brake fluid levels at any time. Look for a semi-translucent plastic container with the “Brake fluid” label, or check your owner’s manual to locate your brake fluid container. Brake fluid is not consumable; your brake fluid levels should remain the same when properly functioning. If your brake fluid levels look low, it may indicate a leak. Schedule a service as soon as possible and have your brake system examined by an expert.

• Power steering fluid: If your car is equipped with hydraulic power steering, look for a translucent plastic container labeled “Power steering fluid.” Most should feature four hash marks labeled Cold Min, Cold Max, Hot Min, Hot Max. Check your hot levels if the engine is warm and running; otherwise, check the cold levels. Ensure your power steering fluid remains between the Min and Max lines. If your fluid levels are too low, top up the container.

• Coolant (Antifreeze): Your car’s coolant ensures your engine doesn’t overheat while running, making it crucial to check during summertime. You should only inspect your engine coolant levels while the engine is cold. Checking your coolant levels while the engine is warm and running risks spraying burning coolant on your face or hands.

Verify Your Tires are in Good Condition

Your car’s tires should be in good condition before going on a summer trip. Conducting the penny test is one of the easiest ways to check your tire condition. It allows you to measure the depth of your tire treads, determining how much rubber your tires have left.

To conduct a penny test, hold a penny so Abraham Lincoln’s head is upside down and insert it into each of your tires’ treads.

• If the tire covers the top of Abe’s head (forehead or below), your tires are in good condition and ready for the road.
• If the tire only covers up to the forehead or the top of his hair, the tire tread is still acceptable but running out, meaning you should schedule a tire replacement soon. 
• If the tire fails to cover any part of Abe’s head, your tread depth is under the federal minimum of 2/32”, and you should replace that tire as soon as possible.

Conduct an Air Pressure Check

Tires are intended to operate at a specific pressure level, measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). An under-inflated tire will sag and wear out more quickly, whereas an over-inflated tire will not contact the road fully, reducing grip. Going on a long road trip on under-inflated or over-inflated tires can wear your tires out prematurely and increase the chances of a puncture.

Check for a tire pressure sticker on the driver-side door, or refer to your car’s manual to find the manufacturer’s recommended PSI for your tires. Then, using a tire pressure gauge, check all four tires and ensure they are at the correct pressure.

If you don’t have a pressure gauge or find that your car’s tires aren’t at the correct pressure level, visit a professional mechanic and request a professional tire pressure service.

Examine Your Air Conditioning System

A functioning car A/C is crucial in summer for safety and comfort. It helps maintain driver focus, prevents heat-related illnesses, and enhances air quality. Ensure your A/C functions correctly and blows cold air without issues before your summer vacation.

The most straightforward test for air conditioner issues is to start your car, turn the A/C on, and check the vents. Potential symptoms to look for include:

• Noisy or rumbling A/C: If your air conditioner makes unusual noises while blowing cold air, it may indicate an issue with your A/C compressor.
• The A/C blows warm air: A properly functioning A/C system that has just been turned on should blow air slightly cooler than the outside temperature. If the A/C struggles to blow cool air, it is a symptom of multiple potential A/C system problems: compressor issues, low refrigerant levels, or a refrigerant leak.
• No air comes out: If your car’s air conditioner fails to blow air, you may have an issue with the fans or blower motor.
• The air comes out slowly: If you can feel some air coming out of the vents, but the airflow is too low relative to the setting, it can indicate a clogged filter. Locate the filter box, open it, and replace it.
• The air smells bad: An unusual or musty smell from the vents typically indicates an old or moldy A/C filter. Replace it as soon as possible.
• A/C isn’t working: If your car’s air conditioning system is completely unresponsive, check your car’s fuse box and locate the fuse labeled AC or A/C. A blown fuse will prevent the system from receiving power. Replace it, then test the system again. If the fuse blows again or replacing it hasn’t fixed your A/C, it can indicate a serious underlying issue.

If you run into a serious issue with your car’s air conditioner system, schedule an A/C service as soon as possible. Professional mechanics can diagnose your car’s air conditioning elements. They can determine if you have any leaks or parts needing replacement. 

Keep Your Car Running with Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

Don’t let poor car maintenance put a damper on your summer adventures. Book your car service with Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, and our experienced technicians will help get your car in top shape to keep you safe on the road this summer.

For any questions or inquiries regarding auto services, call our parts and service department at (517) 459-6023 or contact us online.