Automotive

Last Updated on Tuesday, 24 June 2014 23:59

(BPT) - It is summer and you can't wait to get out on the road to head to the cabin, on vacation or just a nice carefree ride with the windows down. But while you may be ready to go, is your car? These quick vehicle inspection tips will help you make sure your vehicle is ready for the open road.

Is it cool in here?

Make sure your vehicle is ready to beat the heat by inspecting the air-conditioning (AC) and engine cooling systems. This means removing dirt and debris from the fins of the AC condenser and radiator.

While you're near the radiator, check the coolant level. Look in the owner's manual for the right anti-freeze. A newer car might require a completely different anti-freeze then what was used by that car's brand a few years ago. "Mixing incompatible anti-freezes can instantly gum up the cooling system," says Tom Taylor, engineer and vice president of auto parts retailer RockAuto.com.

Also check the cabin air filter that freshens the air flowing into the interior. This filter typically needs to be replaced annually, but it can clog up much faster if the car is driven on dirt roads or parked under trees. "Owners are so relieved when they discover their AC problems are solved by simply popping a new cabin air filter in place behind the glove box," says Taylor.

Kick the tires

Wherever you plan to go this summer, your tires will take you there; make sure they're in great shape.

Start by checking the tire pressure. Most tires have a maximum tire pressure printed on the side of the tire, but you want to inflate the tires only to the cold tire pressure printed on the decal inside the driver's door jam. "With today's low-profile tires, the difference between the maximum and cold pressures might be 20 PSI or more. Inflate a cold tire to the maximum pressure printed on the tire and it will be seriously over inflated once it hits the hot pavement," says RockAuto.com's Taylor.

Keep up that strict oil change schedule

If you want your engine to stay cool and last, it's essential that you change the oil at the appropriate times and with the proper oil. With older cars, owners might have used lighter weight oil in the winter and heavier oil in the summer. Today's engines often require the same weight oil year round. "Modern engines use oil as a hydraulic fluid for operating valves and doing other new things. Pour 10W-30 into a new engine that requires 0W-20 and there will likely be problems," says Taylor. Use the weight of oil recommended in the owner's manual and don't forget to change the oil filter too.

Take care of your vehicle and follow these tips and you can be sure it will be there with you for every new mile marker and memory this summer and beyond.