Summertime is here, and so is the heat. At Walt’s Auto Service, we care about you and your car, which is why we want to share summertime auto maintenance tips, so check out what you can do to extend the life of your vehicle.
Inspect the AC
AC and summertime in California are synonymous. When the summertime heat hits, we want our AC system working without a struggle, so testing it is an important step in keeping ahead of the curve.
When you turn on your ac and have hot air blowing, it could mean that you need a Freon charge. This is the refrigerant your system is pressurized with. Topping off your system can be the boost you need; however, there could also be something else going on with your AC system that one of our trusty ASE-certified auto mechanics can diagnose and repair.
Check your tires' air pressure
After a long winter, wintertime wear and tear is likely on your tires. Be sure to check your air pressure and check for signs of irregular wear on your tires from under or overinflation. The most common air pressure is set between 30 & 35 PSI (pounds per square inch). You can always check your owner's manual for optimal air pressure for your vehicle.
When your tires are properly inflated, it helps to maximize fuel economy and prevent flat tires or, worse, a blowout.
Be sure to pop the trunk and ensure your spare tire is properly inflated while you are at it. It will provide peace of mind in case of an emergency.
Top off engine fluids
When the weather shifts, your engine fluids may thin or even evaporate in warm temperatures; this means that every summer, you will want to tip off your transmission fluid, Power steering, engine coolant, and windshield wiper fluid.
Coolant fluid is especially important to check regularly in summer because it has the job of preventing your engine from overheating. To check your vehicles coolant, this is what you need to do:
Pop the hood
Locate coolant reservoir cap
Check the level of coolant by the indicator lines located on your reservoir
If your coolant level is low, add coolant to the full line mark on your reservoir.
Secure the cap back in place
If this isn't something you feel like doing yourself, swing into Walt's Auto service, and our staff will be happy to check your coolant levels for you.
Change your oil & filter
One of the simplest things you can do to extend your car's or truck's life is to change your oil and filter frequently. Oil is the lubricant that prevents wear and tear on your metal components working hard under your hood. Changing your oil and filter helps remove any unwanted contaminants from your vehicle's engine oil.
When oil changes are not routine, your car can end up costing you big bucks. Simple routine removal or particle buildup through oil and filter changes extends the life of your vehicle. You can see factory-recommended services for your car in your owner's manual, although a good rule of thumb is to change your oil every 5,000 miles.
We hope you've found this blog helpful. Walt's Auto Service is the place to be when you need auto repair services and a great auto mechanic you can trust. Bring your car to Walt's when you need a steady hand and straight talk. Just book an appointment or give us a call; we are located at 340 Van Ness Ave Unit A, Torrance, CA 9050.
We look forward to seeing you soon!