Warm Weather Auto Maintenance Every Driver Should Know

With winter in the rear view mirror, some drivers neglect vital routine maintenance once the weather warms up. The milder temperatures can give the impression that a vehicle will run smoothly, and who has time for maintenance between barbecues and road trips?

What they fail to consider is the extra mileage they will be accruing – and the wear and tear that may have occurred since their last tuneup. No matter what you drive, certain things need to be checked and maintained to keep your engine in peak condition and the rest of the vehicle humming all summer long. 

Check Your Oil – and Replace It with High Quality Oil

Temperatures are rising across the Midwest, especially in northern areas, and all that heat can break down motor oil. This in turn creates deposits on the intake valves, which blocks airflow from entering the engine and causes other problems. Heat isn’t the only source of oil degradation. Exposure to oxygen and other elements also causes it to start breaking down. If you don’t stick to a schedule, that wear and tear can reduce power and destabilize the engine over time.

The quality of oil used also matters, so be sure the oil in your vehicle meets industry standards. Although it might cost a little more, you may find that full synthetic oil provides superior engine performance and protection.

Inspect Your Car Battery 

The typical car battery has a lifespan of about six years, but that range varies quite a bit. The size, cold cranking amps and reserve capacity may all figure into how much juice remains in your battery.

It’s not just extreme temperatures that can be hard on an aging battery. Summer is the season of road trips and long drives. Waiting for that dashboard alert means you could end up stranded, waiting for a jump start on the side of the road. 

If you haven’t done so lately, have your battery voltage tested with a multimeter. That way you can proceed with your plans, full speed ahead.

Replace the Cabin Filter if Necessary

When’s the last time you replaced the cabin filter? This little item keeps dust and allergens from entering the vehicle so the air conditioning can work as well as possible. Checking it, and replacing it if necessary, should be on the top of the list of anyone who enjoys feeling comfortable on long summer drives. 

Inspect and Top Off All of Your Fluids

You also want to get your fluid levels inspected this time of year. This typically includes:

• Engine oil
• Coolant
• Transmission
• Brakes
• Power steering 
• Windshield wiper fluid

Top off anything that is getting low, particularly before any weekend getaways. As sealed systems, coolant and power steering shouldn’t be low on fluid. Taking care of these tasks is a good way to find out about leaks you may not have noticed and take care of any repairs before hitting the road. 

Check Your Treads and Rotate or Replace Tires if Necessary

Just like in winter, drivers need sufficient traction and grip when roads get slick from spring showers. A tire’s performance drops the more worn it becomes, and checking their tread depth will let you know if it’s time for a replacement.

Keeping them properly inflated is also slightly different this time of year, since cold cold weather tends to decrease tire pressure. Check the pressure at the coolest time of day and when they haven't just been used.

Summer Is the Season to Do an LS Engine Swap

Maybe you've tried everything else and still want more out of your engine this summer. Have you considered an LS engine swap? 

There’s a reason a growing community of folks around the globe are taking this step. From trucks to compact cars, an engine swap through ICT Billet – which manufactures all of its parts and accessories in the U.S. – makes superior performance available to drivers of all types of vehicle. If you love your sedan but want more potential out of it, the extra horsepower you’ll get from an engine swap make this one of the best ways to improve your overall driving experience. 

If you’re interested in an engine swap, email sales@ictbillet.com or give us a call today at 316-300-0833 for more information. We look forward to helping you get the performance you’ve always wanted!