Beat the Heat: Essential Summer Vehicle Maintenance Tips

 Summer is a time for road trips, vacations, and enjoying the sunshine. But before you hit the road, it's important to make sure your car is ready for the heat. Below some essential summer vehicle maintenance tips to keep your car running smoothly and safely all season long.

• Fluid Checkup: Hot weather can wreak havoc on your car's fluids. Check your engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Look for leaks and top off fluids as needed according to your car's owner's manual.
• Oil Change: Fresh oil is vital for keeping your engine cool and lubricated. Consult your owner's manual for the recommended oil type and change intervals, but consider more frequent changes during the summer months, especially for heavy use or upcoming road trips.
• Tire TLC: Proper tire inflation is crucial for safety and fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly, referring to the sticker inside your driver's door jamb for the recommended PSI. Don't forget to inspect the treads for wear and tear. Hot weather can exacerbate existing tire damage, so replace worn tires before they become a safety hazard.
• Air Conditioning Check: Nobody enjoys a hot, stuffy car in the summer. Turn on your air conditioning and make sure it's blowing cold air. You may want to consider having a professional technician check the system for leaks or low refrigerant levels.
• Wiper Wisdom: Summer often means sudden downpours. Ensure your windshield wipers are in good condition by checking for cracks or tears in the blades. Replace worn wipers to ensure optimal visibility during rain showers.
• Brake Inspection: Your brakes are essential for safe driving. Have a qualified mechanic check your brakes for wear and tear, especially important before a summer road trip.
• Don't Forget the Filters: The air filter helps keep dust and debris out of your engine, and a clogged filter can reduce fuel efficiency. Replace your air filter according to your owner's manual recommendations.
• Sun Smarts: Park your car in the shade whenever possible to avoid excessive heat buildup inside the vehicle. This will not only protect the interior from sun damage but also help keep the engine cooler.

At Jiffy Lube, we’re experts at keeping your vehicle running smoothly.  Jiffy Lube® recommends following manufacturer recommendations, where applicable, for maintenance schedules and service intervals.  

Stop by your nearest Jiffy Lube Utah today, no appointment necessary!  Whether you need manufacturer recommended maintenance or a fluid top-off in between oil changes, the pros at Jiffy Lube Utah are experts in preventive maintenance.  It’s the first step to help preserve the health and longevity of your vehicle.

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Happy summer driving!