Summer Car Care Tips

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., – You probably won't want to take the time to deal with auto maintenance during the warm months and summer fun, but it's important that you keep up on it! Prepare for the summer season by keeping a careful watch on your cooling system, fuel system, and lights, as well as cosmetic repairs and sun protection tips! Make sure you're ahead of the curve this summer with some summer car care tips! You wouldn't want to drive in a hot car without a working A/C system, would you? Make sure your vehicle is cool and cared for on those scorching days. You'll be thankful when you're driving without a care in the world!

Cooling System Maintenance

The best way to fight the sweltering heat is to ensure to your vehicle can stay nice and cool. If you feel little to no air coming from your vents, your A/C fans or filters may need replacing. However, you and your passengers are not the only thing that can get overheated in your vehicle - your engine can, too. Keeping an eye on your temperature gauge can help you to determine when your engine's coolant needs replacing. Without properly maintained coolant, your engine can overheat, causing important components to warp, which can lead to costly repairs.

Fuel System Maintenance 

With road trip season in full swing, unfortunately, gas prices change pretty frequently as well. The best way to maximize your vehicle's fuel economy this summer is by having your fuel filter changed. Over time, your fuel filter can build up debris, which can block the path to your engine and wear it down. To avoid this, it's recommended you replace your fuel filter every 30,000 miles. You can also have your fuel system cleaned of unnecessary debris to further reduce buildup to improve your vehicle's capabilities this summer.

Exterior Light Maintenance

Night driving tends to increase and can be a fun and calming experience in the summer, but it's best to remain prepared for this situation! Keeping up on your lights will help you improve your visibility at night, allow other drivers to see you, and help you to remain aware of any hazards you wouldn't be able to see otherwise! Checking your lights is pretty simple: have a friend stand outside your vehicle as you try everything from shining your brights to using your brake lights. If any lights are unusually dim or are flashing, give us a call and our Service Center will get it taken care of as soon as possible!

Sun Protection

UV rays can damage your skin if left unchecked, but did you know that they can also damage your vehicle as well? Making sure you regularly wash and wax your vehicle's exterior will help significantly reduce its temperature and minimize exterior scratches. Keeping your vehicle's interior clean will help to reduce temperatures, and purchasing an inexpensive sunshade for your front and rear windshield of your vehicle will measurably decrease your vehicle's heat! You can also park in the shade beneath a tree, buildings, or garage to keep your vehicle cool during the hot summer days.

Cosmetic Maintenance

If you own your vehicle and plan on reselling it, making sure your vehicle's exterior and interior are kept in good condition is extremely important. Having scratched paint, missing materials, or cracks in your glass can significantly reduce the resale value of your vehicle. The best time to fix cosmetic damage is during the summer, because you won't have to deal with the inconveniences of snow, salt, or other debris. Getting your vehicle repaired during the summer will keep you prepared for the coming months. It's a great way to protect your investment!

Make sure your road trip season goes without a hitch this year with these summer car care tips! You'll be able to enjoy any vacation without having to worry about your vehicle, saving you money and keeping you and your family happy! While you're at it, check out our other FAQs for tips on services from routine maintenance to under-the-hood help! If you can't find what you're looking for, feel free to contact us and we'll be more than happy to answer any questions you may have!

At Serra of Traverse City, we’re happy to offer you the best dealership experience in the Cherry Capital area. You can find the latest selection of Audi, Nissan, Toyota, VW, and Volvo vehicles at our North Campus location at 1301 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI. If you’re looking for the newest Cadillac and Subaru inventory, or our Collision Center, our South Campus is located at 1747 S Garfield Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686. Our used vehicles and certified pre-owned headquarters is just across the street.

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