Eight summer car maintenance tips for smooth summer travel

This content is sponsored by Jiffy Lube.

It’s a nice summer day. You’re about to leave the house to go on vacation. You double check you have your sunscreen, sunglasses, and bathing suit, but have you checked your car? Regular summer maintenance will keep your car in great condition so you’re ready for your next vacation. Here are eight car maintenance tips for smooth summer travel.

Professional mechanic pours oil into the engine
Get an oil change Extreme weather, hot or cold, puts more demand on your oil. Car oil keeps car parts lubricated and protected from wear and tear. An oil change is the simplest thing you can do to keep your car protected. Photo Credit: Getty Images, smiguli (Getty Images/iStockphoto/smiguli)
Pouring antifreeze liquid screen wash
Check car fluids Car fluids are more likely to evaporate in the summer. Pay close attention to coolant and other fluid levels to keep  your car engine from overheating. Photo Credit: Getty Images, Milan Krasula (Getty Images/iStockphoto/Milan Krasula)
Woman's hand picking up windscreen wiper
Replace windshield wipers Don’t overlook your windshield wipers when doing summer maintenance. Wipers can dry up and crack in the heat. Stay prepared for unexpected summer storms by changing your wipers once every six months. Photo Credit: Getty Images, humonia (Getty Images/iStockphoto/humonia)
Driver checking air pressure and filling air in the tires close up, safety before trave. Staff filling air in to the tires at gas station.
Check for overinflated tires As the temperature rises, so does tire pressure making your tires susceptible to damage from potholes and other road debris.  Photo Credit: Getty Images, Koonsiri Boonnak (Getty Images/iStockphoto/Koonsiri Boonnak)
Air conditioner control panel, car cooling system. Finger presses the AC knob
Check you car AC Don’t get stuck in summer heat with bad AC. If you notice any problems, an expert technician can get your AC ready for your summer trips. Photo Credit: Getty Images, simpson33 (Getty Images/iStockphoto/simpson33)
Asian technician measure voltage of battery in the car at service station, Maintenance and repair
Test your car battery Frequent heat spells can cause car battery fluid to evaporate, making its life shorter. Make sure your battery is in good health by regularly checking for any corrosion and testing its electrical levels. You can purchase an inexpensive multimeter online and test your battery at home. Photo Credit: Getty Images, Somsak Saeueng (Getty Images/iStockphoto/Somsak Saeueng)
Brake pad replacement in car service
Inspect brakes The downside of summer vacation is that everyone is on vacation. It’s important your brakes are functioning properly, especially with high traffic levels during the summer. Get a brake inspection if you hear grinding noises, feel your car vibrate or notice any other inconsistencies when braking. Photo Credit: Getty Images, Burcak Gozcu (Getty Images/iStockphoto/Burcak Gozcu)
Asian old man using yellow sponge washing front fog light of big new red car. Cleaning background with copy space.
Don’t wash your car in direct sun Don’t torture yourself by washing your car in direct sunlight. Spraying cold water onto a hot windshield can crack your windshield. Plan car washing for before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. when the sun isn’t directly overhead. Photo Credit: Getty Images, sutteerug (Getty Images/iStockphoto/sutteerug)
(1/8)
Professional mechanic pours oil into the engine
Pouring antifreeze liquid screen wash
Woman's hand picking up windscreen wiper
Driver checking air pressure and filling air in the tires close up, safety before trave. Staff filling air in to the tires at gas station.
Air conditioner control panel, car cooling system. Finger presses the AC knob
Asian technician measure voltage of battery in the car at service station, Maintenance and repair
Brake pad replacement in car service
Asian old man using yellow sponge washing front fog light of big new red car. Cleaning background with copy space.

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up