It may be July but we aren’t even a full month into summer which means we have a lot of warm weather still ahead of us. To make sure your car is in tip top condition for the rest of the summer, here are some great summer car care tips!!

1. Keep Your Engine Cool

The cooling system in your car protects the engine from overheating. It is important to make sure that you have the cooling system flushed as specified in your owners manual. It is also important to have your cooling system inspected as the rubber components can deteriorate over time after being exposed to heat. You should check hoses and belts for any cracks or soft spots.

2. Check Your Fluids

Checking your fluids is something every car owner should be doing regularly however it is something we often forget to do. The fluids are what really keeps your car running by lubricating the engine and keeping things cool by moving the heat away from the critical parts of your car engine. When fluids are low, your engine and the cooling system are working harder than they need to be. Be sure to check your owners manual to find out where your levels should be and to use the proper fluids for your vehicle type.

3. Check Your Tires

Another item car owners tend to forget about until it is too late are tires. To get the most out of your tires and protect yourself from a bad situation, such as a flat tire or blowout. It is important to make sure your tires are properly inflated. If tires are under-inflated your tires can overheat, especially when the roads temperature is high, and cause a blowout. Your owners manual, as well as a convenient sticker on the driver’s side door jamb will tell you exactly how much air your tires should have.

4. Have Your A/C Checked

If you are expecting high temperatures, you want to make sure you can keep cool. Be sure to have your A/C checked to ensure the refrigerant level isn’t low and all other components are in working order. You can have your A/C inspected by a certified technician at Miller Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for just $9.99.

5. Check Your Battery

Your battery is more lucky to have troubles in the summer than it is the winter. The summer heat and vibration can lead to an internal breakdown in the battery and eventually failure. Since you can’t control the heat, it is important to ensure that your battery is properly and securely mounted to minimize vibration. Also, be sure to clean any buildup around your battery terminals and connections and ensure your clamps are tight and don’t move. You can also have your battery tested to see how much longer it will last.

6. Be Prepared for a Breakdown

Even with the best routine maintenance, breakdowns can still happy. In the case of a breakdown, you want to be prepared with a well-stocked emergency road kit. It is important to have water, non-perishable foods, basic tools, jumper cables, etc.

Following this tips for summer car maintenance can help you and your car, have a safe and fun summer of travel!!