CarBuyersNoteBook

If there is one best tip to give motorists, it is that of taking advantage of peak seasons as far as their car maintenance needs are concerned. You don’t have to wait for the season where such parts like air conditioning or cooling systems need to be addressed. If you feel that a certain car part needs checking up, go ahead and don’t wait. Doing so may even aggravate it and cost you more than having it attended to before it actually gets worse.

Here are some tips from JC Whitney for the summer riders:

• Cooling System: In summer, the cooling system has to work harder to prevent the engine from overheating. Check the radiator, belts and hoses for leaks or cracks. Be sure all the connections are snug, and make sure all the fluids are “topped off”. When towing boats, campers, or trailers, be sure to install additional transmission or oil coolers. In all cases, take great care with a hot engine – it’s very easy to get burned by hot engine parts or fluids.
• Air Conditioning: The engine belts also drive the air conditioner’s compressor, so also inspect this system for worn or damaged belts. Have a local mechanic inspect the compressor’s cooling fluids.
• Tires: In contrast to winter tires, summer tires provide more speed, better handling, and better fuel efficiency. Many drivers keep two sets of wheels: one set mounted with snow tires and one set mounted with summer or all-season tires. For maximum mileage and wear, make sure tires are inflated to the maker’s specifications.
• Brakes: Hot weather can increase the temperature of brake systems, causing pads to wear more quickly, so it’s important to inspect the pads and rotors for wear more frequently in summer.

“A qualified technician can check the systems that often suffer from the summer heat,” added West. “Following the diagnosis, car owners can save money by buying the parts they need from JC Whitney and then having their local mechanic install them.”

(Source) Press