Tips for Getting Your Car Ready for Summer

Spring is in full swing, and summer is just around the corner. Everyone knows that you should take certain steps to get your car ready when winter is approaching. Putting on snow tires, checking your battery, and switching to freeze-resistant wiper fluid are just a few of the tasks you are used to doing each November if you live in an area where winter hits hard. But what many people don’t realize is that your car can also benefit from a maintenance program designed to get it ready for summer. In this two-part blog series, we will look at ten different tips to help you prepare your car for the summer.

Restock your emergency kit

Every driver should keep an emergency kit in their car, year round. The change of seasons is a great time to make sure that this kit is fully stocked with everything you need. Here is a short list containing some of the essential items to keep in your car at all times:

  • Jumper cables
  •  First-aid kit 
  • Warning triangles 
  • Fire extinguisher 
  • Tire gauge 
  • Flashlight 
  • Gloves 
  • Duct tape 
  • Tow strap 
  • Rain poncho 
  • Bottled water 
  • Non-perishable food 
  • Tools

Top off your fluids

This is something that you should be doing on a regular basis, so including it on your start of summer checklist is a great way to remember this important task. Checking your fluids is something that every car owner should know how to do. Your car relies on these fluids to run smoothly year-round. Keeping your fluids at the proper levels is one of the easiest ways to avoid costly repairs down the road. Here are five of the most important fluids that your car runs on: 

  • Engine oil 
  • Transmission fluid 
  • Coolant 
  • Power steering fluid 
  • Brake fluid

Rotate your tires

Many people put in more miles during the summer than any other time of the year. Before racking up the miles this summer, make sure that your tires are in great shape, properly rotated, and fully inflated. You should also be sure to keep an eye on your tires on a regular basis, as they are the most important safety feature you have.

Inspect your windshield wipers

Winter and spring put a lot of stress on your windshield wiper blades. Take time to check them out and replace them before summer if they are worn out.

Check your spare tire

Your spare tire can save you from being stranded in the event of a flat tire. Make sure that your spare is fully inflated, and that you have all the tools needed to jack up your car and replace the tire while on the side of the road. If you have to replace your tire, make sure to head to the shop right away to have your main tire repaired, even if your spare is a full-size one. As you can see, there is a lot that you can do as spring is winding down to get your car in tip-top shape for summer. As you are going through these different steps, you may find yourself needing to replace certain parts. As always, we recommend buying only OEM parts for your car. We have an extensive selection of Honda and Acura OEM parts online. Shop today, and stay tuned for our next blog, where we will look at five more tips to get your car ready for the summer.