In South Florida, we typically skip spring and go right into summertime. The temperatures are pushing 100 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s important to make sure your car’s air conditioning is working properly. Many people travel during summer, so before getting on the road, key points should be checked. This list is a good starting point to get your car or truck summer-ready. (This can be done to get vehicles in any state ready for the summer heat, not just Florida)
Perform a Tune-Up
No one wants to be stuck on the side of the road waiting for a tow in the middle of a scorching summer day. You can avoid this by regularly maintaining your car or truck. Bring your car to the mechanical shop for a tune-up or perform it yourself.
Check Your Car’s A/C
Make sure the air conditioning in your car, truck or SUV is cooling off the interior space. On extremely hot days, it may take a bit longer to cool down but the air blowing out of the vents should be cold. If it’s not, have your refrigerant levels checked, you may need a top-off or have a leak somewhere within the system. If you aren’t handy with refrigerant and car A/C systems, contact your local mechanic for a diagnosis and A/C repair.
Check Tires & Tire Pressure
Before summer, before long drives or road trips, always give your tires a once over. Check for incorrect wear, flat tread and over or under-inflated tires. This is something that anyone can do at home or at the gas station air pump. If you find your tires are bald, or balding, it is highly recommended that they be replaced as a serious safety precaution.
Pay Attention to Your Brakes
Are your brakes doing any of the following? Squeaking, sticking, grinding, vibrating or anything else that feels or sounds abnormal. Many vehicle owners can fix their own brakes. If you cannot, we suggest taking them to a qualified brake shop for diagnosis and repair. You may need new brake pads, rotors, drums or brake fluid. A mechanic will be able to tell you what is needed and how much the parts and labor will cost.
Replace Your Windshield Wipers & Refill the Wiper Fluid
This is an easy check. Windshield wipers that are past their prime will streak your windshield or fail to clear the water off thoroughly. If this is happening to your car or truck wipers, it’s time for new blades. This is an easy DIY repair but know that many auto parts stores will swap your windshield wipers for free with purchase.
Don’t forget to fill up the windshield washer reservoir with wiper fluid which is formulated to clean your windshield of road grime, bugs and other debris. Skip the water in the reservoir tank because it has no cleansing properties
Check Your Oil & Top Off Engine Fluids
A vehicle with old oil, low oil or even worse, no oil is a recipe for ultimate disaster. Without enough oil in the system to lubricate internal parts, it can and will destroy the engine. Changing your oil yourself or paying to have it changed is going to be cheaper than replacing a bad motor or buying another car.
To keep your vehicle running in optimal condition, you need to regularly check the oil as well as the coolant, brake, transmission and power steering fluids. They should be at safe operating levels. Use only fluids approved for your specific vehicles. Note: many oil change companies will also check the levels of your other fluids.
Check Belts & Hoses
What should you look for? Peek in the engine compartment and look for belts that cracking, fraying or smooth (glazed). Most vehicles have belts to run the water pump and other systems such as the alternator and A/C compressor. If you are unsure if your belts need to be replaced, a good rule of thumb to follow is replacing drive belts every 60,000 miles.
Hoses need to be replaced if they are showing signs of wear, are extremely soft or are bulging. Look for leaks, especially around the hose clamps. Again, if you are unsure of how to replace your belts and hoses, contact a reputable mechanic in your area to access them and replace if needed.
Check Your Car’s Battery
Most people don’t think about their vehicle’s battery until it is dead. This is not the best method of accessing when to replace your battery. Periodically, check that the cable connections are tight and free of corrosion as this can impede charging. You can check your battery at home with a multi-purpose battery charger or have a professional determine how much life is left. AAA members get free battery checks and many auto parts stores can check car batteries if you bring them inside.
Get the Window’s Tinted
Just like tinting your home’s windows keeps your living space a bit cooler, tinting your vehicle’s windows has the same result. In South Florida, it’s a must to have your windows tinted to keep your interior from being a scorching fireball. Tinted windows also help your air conditioner cool your car’s interior space quicker plus, darker windows offer some privacy.
Check Your Vehicle’s Weather Stripping
Weather stripping around doors and windows that are torn, brittle or missing allows for water leaks and allows hot air to sneak in. Hot air leaks make it harder to keep your car cool in the middle of summer. To avoid either of these issues, check your weather stripping occasionally and replace it when necessary.
Our Trusted Salvage Yard Can Help Keep Your Car, Truck, Van or SUV Cool This Summer
Gardner Auto Parts is the go-to salvage yard in South Florida when you need air conditioning parts or accessories. While some items such as batteries, battery cables, hoses and belts are best purchased new, we still want to offer suggestions to keep your car running its best all summer long. We sell a wide variety of quality used parts so when you need to make a repair or a replacement, check with us first.
Walk-ins are always welcome at our junkyard and auto parts store located at 2090 NW 21st Street in Pompano Beach, Florida, just south of Copans Road on the east side of the road. Check out our online inventory or call us at 954-972-9407 to speak with a team member. Shipping is available nationwide and internationally.
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