It’s summertime and the living is easy. We Americans love to hit the road and this summer will be no different. So, before hitting the road there are several precautions you should take to keep your car safely on the road and to save money at the pump. Extreme heat and long summer drives can be stressful on cars so cracked hoses, leaky radiators, under inflated tires and dirty filters can obviously lower your fuel efficiency or even lead to a total break-down.
The items you should be concerned about with your car are:
1. Check your tires: Your tires are one of the most overlooked parts of your car- an under-inflated, over-inflated, worn down or misaligned tire can be very dangerous and especially in the summer heat.
2. Change your oil and oil filter: Oil is the lifeblood of your automobile and it keeps the hardworking engine parts running clean, smooth, and cool. Your owner’s manual probably tells you to change the oil around every 7,500 miles but most technicians will tell you every 5,000 miles or every six months.
After a long winter, clean the undercarriage using a hose or high-pressure cleaning system. Car washes and detailing services provide these types of services. The key to summer driving is keeping the engine cool. Check hoses for cracks, leaks and loose connections. If a hose cracks or belts break the radiator will quickly overheat leaving you stranded. Check your air filter as over the winter it can get clogged with dirt and debris. Of course, replace your windshield wipers. A sudden summer thunderstorm can crop up on your road trip so be prepared. Make sure your brakes are working properly as they are the single most important safety feature on your car. Clean your battery, as the summer heat can speed up a chemical reaction inside the battery causing the battery to be overcharged.
And the number one item to maintain in the summer is your air-conditioning! The most common cause of a malfunctioning air conditioning unit is a low level of refrigerant.
Engine Dynamics specializes in precision electronic tune-ups, fuel injections, ignition, smog check and general automotive repairs.
Please call ahead and let Brian know what issues you are having with your car. Engine Dynamics is located at 24135 Railroad Street in Newhall. We are open Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please call 661-259-4150 to schedule your appointment. Check our website at: www.enginedynamics.net .