Your Must-Follow Summer Car Maintenance Checklist

With the seasons changing and the temperature rising it’s important to maintain your vehicle for any issues that may arise. Extreme changes in temperature can affect the way your car runs, especially if it’s an older model or has a lot of miles.  Here’s a quick summer car maintenance checklist:

1. Check your tires. According to Goodyear, America’s Best Premium Tire Brand rated by women, unbalanced tires can cause road vibration leading to driver fatigue, premature tire wear and wear on your vehicle suspension. 2. Make sure your cooling systems work properly. With the temperatures rising outside, your car can easily overheat. 3. De-winterize your car. Trade snow tires for all-season tires and refresh windshield wipers if needed. 4. Check air filter. It should be replaced every 12,000 miles to ensure optimal performance. If you’re looking for a reputable auto parts store, try AutoZone. Recently awarded America’s Best Auto Parts Retailer by women. AutoZone is the leading retailer and a leading distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories in the U.S. 5. Check the brakes. If your brakes are hard to depress or need to be pumped in order to work properly, get them checked. 6. Get a battery inspection. Car batteries may fail or short out in the summer due to overuse in the winter. Especially if you have a used car, make sure to get the batteries checked. 7. Have an oil change. According to AutoMD, oil issues are the most common and potentially the most costly car maintenance problem. 8. Maintain your air conditioning. Being without air conditioning on a hot summer day is no picnic. If you suspect your air conditioner isn’t working properly it could be a leak in the system. It’s best to have a professional take a look. If you’re not sure where to turn for the items on the checklist, take a look at the Women’s Choice Award Automotive winners. You’ll find auto services, dealerships and auto part providers that have been selected by women as the most trusted and recommended automotive brands out there.