10 Simple Summer Car Care Tips from Autotrader

ATLANTA, Aug. 3, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- While Americans are busy enjoying fun summertime adventures, ranging from family road trips to trekking the kids to summer camps to regular jaunts to the pool or beach, it can be easy to forget to pay attention to car maintenance beyond your typical gas fill-up. But the heat really can take its toll on your vehicle, so the experts at Autotrader offer 10 Simple Summer Car Care Tips to keep your vehicle in great shape.

"You may have summer vacation on the brain, but your vehicle is working even harder in the warmer temps," said Brian Moody, executive editor at Autotrader. "Because it is so important to keep your car running well during the hot summer months, we've assembled a few simple tips for keeping things running smoothly so you and your passengers can relax and enjoy the ride."

Check out these top tips from Autotrader to keep your ride rolling. If in doubt, consult a qualified technician:

    1. Keep your cool - Staying cool is important not just for you, but also for
       your car.  Beyond checking the level of coolant fluid in your car, be
       sure to inspect the state of the hoses and coolant reservoir to keep an
       eye out for leaks.  Squeeze the hoses (when the engine is cool) from time
       to time to make sure they feel firm and not excessively squishy or soft.
    2. Tighten up your belt - There usually is a serpentine belt that runs
       between the alternator, the fan and several other components that can
       become loose or deteriorate over time.  It needs to be in good condition
       and at the right amount of tension, so if you see cracks or small pieces
       missing, it's time to replace the belt.
    3. Clear your vision - Summer rain showers really can do a number on wearing
       out your windshield wipers, creating nasty streaks across your windshield
       and affecting your vision while driving.  Replacing your wipers is not
       costly but can be a fiddly operation, so you may want to inquire about
       wiper installation during your regular oil changes or a dealership visit.
    4. Stay hydrated - Check oil, brake, power-steering and windshield-washer
       fluids regularly, as these liquids are in constant use and are key to
       your vehicle functioning properly.
    5. Crank the air - Air-conditioning is a summer essential, so if the system
       hasn't been working properly in recent months, summer certainly is the
       time to get serious about repairing any leaks or issues.  Have a
       qualified mechanic fix the leak before paying to have the
       air-conditioning system recharged.
    6. Clean your filters - Summer is the time to take out your air filter to
       give it a good cleaning, or buy a new filter if needed.  Many modern cars
       also have pollen filters or cabin filtration systems, so be sure to take
       a look at those, too.  And as always, when in doubt, consult a qualified
       technician.
    7. Under pressure - Tires really need to be checked regularly all year
       round, and summertime is no exception.  Pressures must be correct
       (consult the manual for levels specific to your vehicle), treads should
       be free of stones, stray nails and the like, and all four tires should be
       in good condition (meaning no cracks, no uneven wear and plenty of tread
       depth).  Don't forget to also check your spare to ensure it is usable.
    8. Throw some shade - Don't underestimate the greatness of a dashboard
       sunshade for those times you are not driving but the car is still out in
       the sun.  It helps protect the dashboard and interior against ultraviolet
       rays and can help prevent fading over time, and in the short-term, it
       helps the cabin stay a little cooler.
    9. Keep it clean - Those long, balmy evenings when the sun seems to hang low
       for hours can be lovely, but also hazardous if your car's windshield is
       dirty.  The haze on your windshield can diffuse the light and make things
       hard to see, so keep your car's exterior clean.  Things look much sharper
       after your car has had a good wash, and regular washings protect the
       paintwork from the sun's rays.
    10. Plan accordingly - It's hot out there, so keep both the driver and
        passengers happy by keeping everyone hydrated. Plan road trips by making
        lists of what you'll need to keep everyone in the car happy while on the
        journey (examples:  sunglasses, travel mugs, games for the kids, snacks,
        phone chargers and more), and don't forget to have those just-in-case
        items like a flashlight and small tool kit handy.  Be sure your license
        and insurance are up to date, and that you're keeping tabs on your
        vehicle's scheduled service.

For more information, visit https://www.autotrader.com/car-news/10-simple-summer-car-care-tips-240454.

If you don't have all of the accessories and stay-safe gear you need for the summer trekking ahead Autotrader experts also have a list of their top gadget picks to keep your road trip smooth and bump free https://www.autotrader.com/car-news/embarking-on-a-summer-road-trip-tips-on-staying-safe-behind-the-wheel-267746.

About Autotrader
Autotrader is the most visited third-party car shopping site, with the most engaged audience of in-market shoppers. As the foremost authority on automotive consumer insights and expert in online and mobile marketing, Autotrader makes the car shopping experience easy and fun for today's empowered consumer looking to find or sell the perfect new, used or Certified Pre-Owned car. Using technology, shopper insights and local market guidance, Autotrader's comprehensive marketing solutions guide dealers to personalized digital marketing strategies that grow brand, drive traffic and connect the online and in-store shopping experience.

Autotrader is a Cox Automotive(TM) brand. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises. For more information, please visit http://press.autotrader.com.

About Cox Automotive
Cox Automotive Inc. is transforming the way the world buys, sells and owns cars with industry-leading digital marketing, financial, retail and wholesale solutions for consumers, dealers, manufacturers and the overall automotive ecosystem worldwide. Committed to open choice and dedicated to strong partnerships, the Cox Automotive family includes Autotrader(®), Dealer.com(®), Dealertrack(®), Kelley Blue Book(®), Manheim(®), NextGear Capital(®), vAuto(®), Xtime(®) and a host of other brands. The global company has 34,000 team members in more than 200 locations and is partner to more than 40,000 auto dealers, as well as most major automobile manufacturers, while engaging U.S. consumer car buyers with the most recognized media brands in the industry. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., an Atlanta-based company with revenues exceeding $20 billion and approximately 60,000 employees. Cox Enterprises' other major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications and Cox Media Group. For more information about Cox Automotive, visit www.coxautoinc.com.

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SOURCE Autotrader