Summer Prep for your Vehicle
Spring and Summer Checklist:- Battery Inspection
- Air Conditioning Inspection and Maintenance
- Wiper System Inspection and Adjustment
- Tire Tread Inspection
- Clean Cabin Air Filters
- Increase value of vehicle by regular washing and waxing
Astoundingly, hot weather can decrease battery energy and life nearly as much as cold weather, only for different reasons. The inside structure of your battery can be damaged by a lack of fluid that often occurs because of the high temperatures causing evaporation. Dirt and grime on the top of the battery can actually conduct energy from the battery that is needed for the ignition of your vehicle. Oxidization on the battery and its connections can insulate the battery and block the flow of current.
Also, have the charge rate of the battery inspected. You may think that over-charging a car battery could only help, however it can be just as damaging as an under-charged battery.
Battery Care- Add distilled water to battery to keep it full (especially in high temperature weather)
- Keep battery connections clean of dirt and grime
- Keep battery connections corrosion free
- Have charge rate of battery inspected
Full of hot air?
We probably all, unfortunately, have experienced what it is like to be driving in a vehicle on a hot day and not have any air conditioning. Don’t wait until you are having hot air blown on your face during high temperatures to realize it is time to have your air conditioning inspected. We recommend you have it annually checked, preferably before the summer months. Certified Tire Factory technicians will make sure your system has the proper refrigerant, correct amounts of Freon, and suggest maintenance that will keep your A/C blowing cool air during those hot and humid days. For details on our Air Conditioning Service please visit: __
Preparation for the rainy spring months
Make sure you have Tire Factory inspect your tires and the tread wear. If your tires have been worn down to thin tread, you are highly more susceptible to hydroplaning on thin sheets of water and loss of control in slick conditions. A universal and simple way to check the proper depth of your tire tread is to insert a penny down in the tread of the tire. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, it is time for a new tire with better tread.
According to the Car Care Council, 90% of all driving decisions are based on the driver’s visibility. Don’t wait until you are driving in torrential downpour to discover that your wiper blades need to be replaced. It is an inexpensive maintenance that will drastically improve your driving safety during the rainy months.
Bring your vehicle to Tire Factory and we will help you check your tire tread at no charge and help you replace the blades for your windshield. If needed, we will perform tire maintenance to make sure you are ready for the slick driving conditions.
Clean Cabin Filters
The hot summer months are full of plenty of air contaminants including dust, pollen and spores, pollution, mold and many more that are constantly soiling your cabin air filters. The A/C and ventilation systems can easily transport these impurities into the air in the cabin of your vehicle and can make the air 6 times dirtier than the air outside, warns the Car Care Council!
Have Tire Factory technicians inspect and replace your cabin air filters annually, at least. If you live in a high pollution area it may be necessary to have us perform this service more often.
Cleaning and Waxing For Protection
The benefits of keeping your car clean and water resistant, especially during the winter months, will not only increase the body life of your car, but increase the value of your vehicle saving you loads of money during trade-in or re-sell. According to Kelley Blue Book, a vehicle that is clean and well maintained can be worth up to 50% more than one in “fair” condition. Waxing twice a year for utmost protection from the natural wear and tear on the vehicle’s finish is recommended.
We agree with the Car Care Council’s suggestions to perform the following:- Don’t wash cars in direct sunlight. Do wash cars in shade or in cooler temperatures in the early morning or late afternoon.
- Don’t use dish detergent. Do use a formulated car wash.
- Do fill your bucket with warm water.
- Do use a soft terrycloth towel or washing mitt.
- Do spray the car often with water.
- Don’t scrub the car all at once. Do complete one section at a time, rinsing repeatedly to prevent the soap from drying on the paint.
- Do use soft terrycloth towels or scratch-free fabric to dry the vehicle.
- Don’t neglect waxing the vehicle. Do prep the car for waxing using cleaner/polish to remove contaminants.
We are here to help! Bring your vehicle to Tire Factory and we will help you successfully prepare for the wet spring conditions and the hot humid summer months. If you have any questions or concerns about preparing your vehicle for these conditions, our qualified technician will be able to answer your question and perform the service to your satisfaction.
