There are many tips available for how to get your car ready for winter. But not a lot of people talk about readying your car for the scorching heat, the dust, and the high temperatures summer brings. Summer can be hard on your car, but with a little effort, you’ll lessen the odds of a breakdown and make sure your car is ready for summer driving. Car maintenance can be expensive, but is integral in keeping safe while on the road. If money is a cause of hesitation, you might be able to find some great auto deals that will save you some cash! These popular stores currently have a whole bunch of summer deals:

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Ultimately though, remember that it is better to be safe than sorry. Here are some tips to keep your car and yourself near mint condition through the summer sun!

Tire It Up!

Making sure your tires are in good condition is key to preventing a breakdown. Some people own separate winter and summer tires. If you are one of those people, make sure to check both sets of rubber as you change them. Jalopnik recommends checking for bubbles in the sidewall, uneven wear and visible wear bars. If your tires need replacing, don’t scrimp!

Hold your horses, check your brakes

Removing wheels can help with checking your breaks. Make sure that the edges of your breaks aren’t cracking, and haven’t been too worn down. ASE recommends having your breaks checked by a mechanic if you notice any noises, pulsations or unusual movements.

As cool as coolant

According to ASE, the biggest cause for summer breakdown is overheating. Your cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled at least every 24 months. The level, condition and concentration of coolant should be checked periodically – you can get a coolant tester at most auto parts stores.  

Windshield Wipin’

From light rain to thunderstorms, summer brings with it different weather conditions depending on where you live. Making sure your windshield wipers are intact will save you some trouble in unexpected weather conditions. Most wipers are only made to last one year. Also, like most things rubber, a certain temperature range is most effective for optimal performance. Make sure you have wipers durable enough for summer temperatures so that you always have good visibility when driving.

Clean Machine

Getting a car wash and doing a deep cleaning is best in the summer. Any potential problems with your car may be easier identified if your car is clean, both from the outside and in.  It may not be visible, but there is a lot of dirt  and grime that gets stuck within your car from wintertime driving. This dirt affects the the paint and coating of your car, and is best removed.  While the cleaning itself doesn’t scientifically aid summer driving, it does feel nicer to have a shiny and sparkling ride!

Do you have any other tips to ready cars for summer driving? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!