The warmer months are here, and with them comes the responsibility to ensure your vehicle is ready for heat and humidity. In the summertime, many people are always on the road. You may make multiple daily trips between traveling to work, taking family vacations, and chasing after kids in full vacation mode.
The good news is that there are some easy ways to prepare your car for this activity. This guide will discuss how you can prepare your vehicle in advance so you and your car are ready to hit the road this summer.
Start with a thorough wash
Start by cleaning your car. You’ll want to remove all debris from the vehicle, including loose leaves, twigs, and bugs stuck on windows.
Use a good-quality microfiber car wash towel with a soap appropriate for the season (you don’t want to use an abrasive soap in hot weather). Then wash your vehicle and rinse it thoroughly before moving on to other steps.
Thoroughly cleaning your vehicle will ensure you’re starting on the right foot.
Change your wiper blades
Changing your wiper blades is one of those things that you can do in 30 minutes or less, and it has the potential to make a huge difference. Luckily, there are some simple ways to tell if your wipers need changing:
- Look at the rubber part of the blade. If it’s cracked or torn, that’s a sign that it needs replacing.
- Check for streaking on your windshield. That could also signify that you need new wipers because they’re worn out and aren’t clearing water from your windshield anymore.
Once you’ve determined it’s time for new ones, you can buy them online or at any auto parts store.
Inspect your tires
Inspect the tire pressure and tread depth. Tire pressure is significant to keep up with. A properly inflated tire will have a better grip on the road, which means you’ll be safer in inclement weather and more likely to avoid an accident. You also want to ensure that your tires are wearing evenly—if they’re not, there’s a good chance you’ll need to rotate them.
With most vehicles, you should rotate them every 6,000-8,000 miles to ensure even wear over time, which will prolong the life of your tires and save money by replacing them less frequently.
Keep your leather seats in good condition
The key to preventing your leather seats from cracking or peeling is to keep them clean. Vacuum your car’s interior regularly to remove dust and dirt, which can cause damage over time.
You should also use a quality leather cleaning product for occasional deeper cleaning. This will help remove salt and other debris on your seats and any spills from children’s drinks or food from eating in the car.
A conditioner is essential for keeping up with this type of upkeep because it helps prevent drying out of the material over time, especially if you live somewhere dry like Arizona or Nevada, where there’s less humidity in the air.
Get your car waxed
Waxing your car is an essential part of keeping it looking great, and it’s also an excellent way to keep the paint job in good condition. But there are a few different ways to do this.
If you’re using liquid wax, apply the wax according to the instructions on the bottle. Let it dry for 10-15 minutes, then buff off any excess with a soft cloth.
You should wax your vehicle once every two to three months or so if possible, and more often in hotter weather when UV rays are more potent. However, always check your car’s owner’s manual first. Some manufacturers recommend against frequent washing and waxing due to potential damage from chemicals used during manufacturing or maintenance processes that could adversely affect their warranty coverage.
Summing Up
The battle between your car and the heat doesn’t have to be a lopsided contest. With the proper preparation, you can ensure that your vehicle stays safe even in the hottest weather conditions. Follow the above tips for preparing your car for the long road ahead.