Since your vehicle is a significant investment, it's best to maintain it year-round to prevent premature wear and tear. From wheel alignments to brake repairs, there are several tasks that should be taken care of before hitting the road. If you're planning frequent road trips this summer, make sure to check off the maintenance steps below for a smooth and safe ride.

How to Care for Your Car in the Summer

1. Change the Oil

If your vehicle relies on conventional oil, schedule a change every 5,000 miles. For synthetic oil, schedule a change every 7,500 miles. Oil changes ensure that any accumulated dirt is removed before it affects the engine. Additionally, this process removes sludge that can damage the engine and prevent it from running efficiently. Make sure to schedule a professional oil change to ensure that all dirt and sludge are thoroughly removed.

2. Check the Tires

Summertime is the perfect season to plan road trips. However, before hitting the road, check the tires for pressure and tread. When filling a tire, look for the PSI number near the inside of the rubber and fill it to that number. Next, schedule a tire rotation to ensure even tread wear. After the shop completes this step, ask them to perform a wheel alignment. This will ensure the tires meet the road at the right angles and prevent premature wear and tear.

3. Flush Coolant

To remove rust and scale deposits, flush the coolant every summer. These deposits can compromise the cooling system by causing it to overheat. After flushing the old coolant, top it off with fresh fluids to ensure the air conditioning system runs efficiently throughout the summer.

4. Check the Brakes

If you hear a screeching sound every time you hit the brakes, the pads could be worn down. When they're thinner than normal, they may not work as efficiently and could compromise your safety. Common signs that the brake pads need to be replaced include vibrations in the brake pedal, hitting the pedal further down than normal, longer stopping distances, and the car pulling to one side.

Before hitting the road, take your car to Warrenton Tire & Muffler, Inc., for maintenance and repairs. Serving residents in Missouri's Foristell, Troy, Wright City, Wentzville, and Warrenton, these professionals offer wheel alignments, tire changes, and brake repairs. They also provide emergency road services to get your car back up and running again. Browse their services online and call (636) 456-4355 to schedule an appointment.