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Home » Car care checklist for summer road trips

Car care checklist for summer road trips

June 3, 2024 By McGrath Auto

Tyler Hedtke, Service Manager Buick GMC Cadillac

It’s time for a busy, fun summer! An Iowa summer is a great time to get out there and have fun with family and friends. We want to remind you to also make car maintenance part of your summer preparation. Use this summer car care checklist to ensure your vehicle is ready for the summer!

1. Check tires and tire pressure

Inspect all four tires and, if you have one, the spare tire as well. Look for cuts, gouges or sidewall bulges. Insert a quarter upside down into grooves to check tire tread. If you see the top of George Washington’s head, it is time for new tires, and we have a great deal with a price match guarantee!

Check tire pressure when the car has been idle, and tires are cool. Inflate as needed to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure. You will find it listed in the owner’s manual and on the sticker of the driver side door jamb. Do not use the number on the tire sidewall.

2. Listen to and feel the brakes

If you hear a grinding sound or feel a vibration when applying the brakes, take your vehicle to one of our service departments for a brake inspection. Our professional technicians will check the brake system for fluid leaks, and the pads, rotors, shoes and drums. If repair or replacement is needed, we have a 10% off brake repairs coupon available for you!

3. Secure and test the battery

Check the car battery to be sure cable connections are clean and tight, and the hold down hardware is secure. Our technicians do a battery check to determine remaining capacity, so we can help!

4. Top off engine oil and other fluids

Check that engine oil, coolant, brake, transmission, and power steering fluids are at the correct levels for safe vehicle operation. When adding fluids, use products that meet the specifications listed in the owner’s manual. If you want to save time trying to find the information, give us a call and we can help.

Note that newer car models may have sealed automatic transmissions without a dipstick, and electric power steering that may not use fluid.

5. Replace wiper blades and replenish windshield cleaner

Rubber wiper blades naturally deteriorate over time. If wipers streak or fail to clear the windshield thoroughly, replace the blades. Fill the windshield washer reservoir with fluid formulated to remove insects and other debris, and test to make sure the nozzles spray adequately.

6. Check belts and hoses

Reinforced rubber drive belts power the engine water pump and accessories such as the alternator and air conditioning compressor so you should inspect and replace any that are cracked, glazed or frayed.

Note that modern multi-rib or drive belt materials do not show easily visible signs of wear. As a rule, replace drive belts every 60,000 miles.

Inspect and replace worn, brittle, bulging or excessively soft radiator hoses. Check for leaks around hose clamps and at the radiator and water pump.

7. Keep the AC running cool

Take a test drive with the air conditioner running. If you notice a decrease in cooling capacity, bring the car to one of our service centers for diagnosis. Also have the cabin filter inspected and replaced as needed.

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