The Cooling System
The number one cause of breakdowns in the summer is vehicle overheating. The cooling system is one of the most critical components of your vehicle. It is generally recommended that you completely flush the refill the cooling system every two years. Coolant keeps your engine running at the optimal temperature and prevents overheating of your engine, which can cause significant damage. It’s important to monitor your coolant level, and add coolant when it gets too low. But remember to never open your radiator cap or coolant lid when the engine is hot. Be sure to allow your vehicle to sit for several hours if necessary to cool down.
Engine Oil
With long distance travel that comes with summer, it’s a good idea to make sure that you are on top of your oil changes. Engine oil should be changed about every 3,000 – 5,000 miles depending on your vehicle and engine oil used. Engine oil is one of the most important components in your vehicle. It lubricates engine components and prevents damage when your engine is working hard on the road. Engine oil breaks down over time, and when it does, it cannot lubricate engine components as well as it used to, and as a result, friction and heat will cause your engine to wear.
Promptly responding to the minder codes is of the utmost importance when it comes to the appropriate care of a Honda vehicle. Each minder code indicates service that requires immediate attention. Delaying required service for extended periods of time could potentially jeopardize the reliability of any automobile and reduce its overall lifespan.
Tires
It is generally recommended that your tires be rotated every 5,000 miles. Drivers should check tire pressure once a month, if not weekly. Improperly inflated tires can reduce the vehicle’s handling and generate excess heat, which may cause a blowout. Maintaining the proper tire pressure will also give you the best fuel economy and prevent excess wear. Be sure to check the tire pressure of your spare as well. There’s nothing worse than putting on a spare tire just to find out that it’s under inflated.
Air Conditioning
While air conditioning may be a drag on fuel economy at times, keeping your windows down improves the aerodynamics of your vehicle. Air conditioning systems should be checked annually. If you’re A/C is not getting cold, then there’s a good change that you have a leak in your system. Adding refrigerant to such a vehicle will only temporarily solve the problem, so it’s important to invest in a proper repair. Depending on your vehicle, you may have a cabin air filtration system, which should be serviced as well. Keeping your car cool is certainly a top priority when it comes to comfort.
Check Your Battery
While you may not think that testing your battery is important in the summer, excessive heat and overcharging can shorten the life of your battery. Excess heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, which damages the internal structure of the battery. To get the most out of your battery, get your electrical system checked to make sure that your battery is charging at the correct rate. Dirt, corrosion, and excessive heat can all take a toll on battery life.
If you’re looking to have your vehicle serviced this summer, visit our dealership located in Hamilton, NJ, near Trenton and West Windsor. Our experienced and knowledgeable service department will perform the necessary diagnostics and repair to keep your car, truck, or SUV running in optimal condition.
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