Automotive News

A lot of people worry about the condition of their vehicles, especially as they continue to rack up miles on their engines. When summer arrives, they wonder whether their cars can tolerate grueling road trips while providing a comfortable, reliable ride. As a form of insurance, many drivers take their vehicles to their local mechanics to have a complete checkup performed. Much of the work your mechanic will do can be avoided by taking a few maintenance steps of your own.

This article will provide an overview of the items you can inspect to make sure your car is prepared for the warm months. The following details are easier to check than you may imagine.

1 – Check Your Hoses And Belts

Your car’s hoses deteriorate with time. Moreover, the deterioration usually begins from the inside, and works its way outward. Not only are the hoses made of rubber (which decays with age), but they’re exposed to an enormous amount of heat while your car is running. After tens of thousands of miles, the rubber becomes less flexible, and eventually, brittle. Cracks will form as the rubber splits.

Belts, too, deteriorate with time. As you drive, they rotate constantly over a series of pulleys, bending to conform to the shape dictated by the rotation. This activity generates heat, which slowly causes the rubber to become less flexible (similar to hoses). After hundreds of thousands of rotations, the belts become brittle, and either fray or break.

The deterioration of your hoses and belts is relatively easy to see. Pop your vehicle’s hood and take a look. If you notice cracking in the hoses, replace them. If a belt appears to be on the verge of breaking, have it replaced.

2 – Check Your Battery’s Voltage

Your battery should last four or five years, unless something is wrong with your vehicle’s charging system. When it is brand new, it can hold its voltage well. This means your car’s alternator doesn’t need to work as hard to recharge it. As the battery ages, however, it becomes steadily less capable of holding its charge, placing an increasing strain on your alternator.

Let your vehicle sit overnight. The following morning, with the engine off, connect a voltage meter to the terminals, and take a reading. If the voltage is between 12.5 and 12.8, your battery is fine. If not, you may need a replacement.

3 – Check All Of The Fluids

Most people realize they need to change the oil in order to keep their engines in good working condition. A lack of oil deprives your engine of lubrication, which leads to overheating and damage. A lot of drivers, however, neglect to check their transmission fluid. It is just as important as the oil in your engine.

While you’re checking the oil and transmission fluid, take the opportunity to inspect the fluid level for your brakes and power steering. These rarely need to be replenished, but if there’s a leak, now is the time to identify and resolve it.

4 – Check Your Tires For Pressure, Wear, And Damage

Your tires should be filled with the recommended psi listed in your owner’s manual. You should already be in the habit of checking the pressure once every few weeks. Replenish it if needed. More problematic is uneven wear and damage. If you notice the former, it usually indicates a misalignment. Rotating your tires will help. So, too, will buying a new set. But until the misalignment is resolved, your tires will continue to wear more quickly than they should.

Tire damage should be fixed as soon as possible since it represents a potential safety issue. When damaged tires are under stress, they can blow out, causing you to lose control of your vehicle. If you notice raised areas along the sidewall, small gashes, or treads that are separating, buy a replacement tire.

Getting your car road-ready for the summer doesn’t require much time (unless major repairs are necessary). It’s mostly a matter of checking a few key items as part of your regular preventative maintenance.

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