Owners of Sioux Falls cars know each South Dakota season has a distinct flavor. From hot summer days to cold winter nights, each season can affect your car's performance dramatically. We created a list to help you prepare for the upcoming spring/summer season.
General Tips for the Summer Season
What to Check Yourself
- Fluids: If you aren't a car expert, read your manual to find out what kind of fluids are needed and how to fill them. Fill the tranmission fluid, brake fluid and coolant. Double check your mileage and your last oil change to find out if you are due for service.
- Hoses: Inspect the hoses under your hood to make sure they aren't rotting or cracked. Hoses that are in poor condition can cause fluid to leak (you may need a mechanic for a comprehensive hose inspection).
- Air Filter: Inspect your air filter (again, your owner's manual can help you here). If the filter is full of dust and debris and is no longer white in color, it probably needs to be replaced.
- Windshield Wipers: Nobody wants to get caught in a summer rain storm with shoddy wipers. Inspect the wipers for wear and tear. You can even do a quick test: pour water on the windshield to quickly gauge the status of your wipers. Wipers that are noisy and/or leave a large section of the windshield untouched probably need replacing.
- Tires: Take a look at your tires' tread. This is an all-seasons tip. If the tread is uneven, take the care in for new tires or have them rotated. Use the penny test to see if you need new tires.
What Your Mechanic Should Check for you
These are some precautionary measures which may not be worth a separate trip to the shop, but are worth mentioning to your mechanic if you are bringing your car in for service or repair, anyway.
- Engine cooling system: Ask your mechanic if your car's cooling system needs flushing to remove blockages that could cause overheating. The mechanic should also check the coolant system for leaks.
- The belts: Ask your mechanic to inspect the belts in your car, and replace them at the first signs of wear to avoid a potential breakdown.
- Air conditioning: Have your mechanic give your air conditioning system a once-over to check for any possible issues. Also test it yourself.
Road Trip Tips
Here are some specialized tips for that big summer road trip you are planning.
- Check tire pressure: Because warm temperatures cause the air in your tires to expand, be sure to check out your tire pressure before you head out on the road. Consult the owner's manual to find the proper tire pressure specific to your vehicle (don't just use the pressure listed on the tire). Tires with too much or too little air can reduce the vehicle's handling or generate extra heat which could lead to a blowout.
- Watch your fuel economy: Some causes of poor fuel mileage are preventable - and you will want to keep these problem areas in mind so you don't blow your vacation budget on gas. Keep the windows up and a/c on while driving on the highway to improve aerodynamics (and reduce driver fatigue, which reduces the number of time-consuming, fuel-mileage reducing stops you will need to make). Use cruise control on the highway. Also, watch your speed: it affects gas mileage.
- Schedule a check-up: It never hurts to schedule a checkup, even if you aren't due for an oil change. A mechanic can easily find a flaw that could ruin your trip, and your regular mechanic will typically charge little to nothing for such a check, which typically takes just a few minutes.
- Pack properly: Don't exceed your car's weight limit, and pack as lightly as you can to improve fuel mileage.
- Bring emergency supplies: Keep plenty of food and water on hand. You will most likely be in an area with cell service and nearby fuel stations, but prepare for those emergency situations, such as traveling in a mountainous area with poor cell reception.
Taking a lot of trips this summer? View some of our most fuel efficient cars.
Sources: http://www.kudzu.com, www.autotrader.com