Summer will be here before we know it so here are some tips to prepare you for it. Extreme heat can cause cracked hoses, leaky radiators, and underinflated tires. Dirty filters can significantly lower your fuel efficiency, or worse, lead to a total breakdown. Avoid this before it happens by following a few simple tips.   
1.Change Oil and Oil Filter Refer to your owner's manual for the recommend mileage for doing this and be sure to stay on track. The engine is the life of the car so dirty oil and a clogged filter can cause issues and even lead to a breakdown if you let it go long enough.  If you do it yourself be sure to recycle the oil or bring it to a garage that takes used oil to run their heaters.  
2. De-Winterize Anyone that lives where the snow flies may have snow tires or even studded snow tires. You want to make sure to put the summer sneakers on for better fuel economy.  If you didn't drive it much during the winter change the oil and check all the fluids while you're at it. Clean the undercarriage if in a snowy environment to get any residual sand and salt off of there.   
 3. Check Under the Hood Take a good look at the belts and hoses to make sure they are all looking good since they have been experiencing cold the summer heat can do a number on them.  Check the hose clamps and make sure they are tight and secure to avoid a breakdown.   
 
Summer car tips

 4. Air Filter Make sure to check and replace it as needed to ensure better fuel efficiency and avoid contaminants sneaking their way into the engine.   
 5. Wipers If you had winter blades on take them off they won't' last long in the hot sun.  If you didn't have winter ones check what you have on so you are prepared for summer downpours.  
6. Brakes Check them for wear or have them checked by a professional many places offer free brake inspections when you have your car serviced. Make sure the pedal isn't squishy it should be somewhat firm but not super stiff. Low brake fluid can be a sign of an issue so have that checked if that is the case.  
7. Coolant Make sure your radiator is full and the fluid looks clean to avoid overheating. You should flush the radiator every two years.  Again many places can test it for you if you are there to see what temperatures it is suitable for.  
8.Battery Clean it to remove any corrosion that might have occurred.  Auto parts stores sell cleaner and protectant for a low price.  Be sure to wear eye protection when doing this to avoid any acid or corrosion from getting in your eyes. Hot temperatures from the summer can speed up the chemical reaction inside your battery so make sure you have it secured and working properly.  
9. Air Conditioning You don't want to be stuck in traffic on a hot summer day to find out the A/C doesn't work. You can test to see if it is working by running it and making sure it generates a temp 50 degrees lower than the temp outside.  If you aren't sure see a professional.   
10. Tires Be sure to check your tire pressure on all five tires.  Yes I said five you need to check the spare because what is the use of a flat spare tire?  Check the tread also by using a penny.  Stick a penny in the tread, and if Lincoln's head disappears, you're good to go.

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