How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Warm Weather Driving

Summary

As the first warm weekend of the season approaches, many people rush to clean their vehicles, but it's equally important to ensure your car is ready for the warmer weather both inside and out. This comprehensive guide will help you prepare your vehicle for the summer months, ensuring safety, reliability, and fuel efficiency.

Key Areas to Check

According to Pat Goss, host of PBS' MotorWeek and Washington Post automotive columnist, the most critical areas to check after a harsh winter are engine fluids, radiator hoses, belts, tires, and brakes. Properly preparing these key areas before the weather warms up will not only keep you safe while driving but also help prevent costly repairs.

1. Remove Winter Tires and Rotate All-Season Radials

If you have winter tires, it's time to store them away. If you don't, it's equally important to rotate your all-season tires or switch them out for new ones. Proper tire maintenance can improve fuel efficiency by up to 3% (source: U.S. Department of Energy).

2. Brake Check

After a harsh winter, it's crucial to inspect your brakes. Warning signs include abnormal grinding, squealing, screeching, or chatter. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), brake-related issues account for 22% of vehicle crashes (source: NHTSA).

3. Wiper Blades Check

Wipers work hard during the winter months, wiping away dirt and debris from your windshield. Replace them in the spring to ensure clear visibility during sudden showers.

4. Clean the Underbody

In addition to washing the exterior, make sure to spray the underbody of your vehicle and underneath the rear and front bumpers to rinse away any salt buildup, which can lead to corrosion and rusting. Use a high-pressure sprayer or garden hose for the best results.

5. Apply a Protectant

Any vinyl surface, such as seats and the steering wheel, is susceptible to cracking, sun damage, and fading. Apply a protectant at the beginning of the season and touch up regularly to maintain these surfaces.

6. Change Your Oil

Consider the type of oil in your engine. Fully synthetic oils, like Mobil 1, are specifically designed to protect your engine in hot weather while optimizing efficiency and reducing oil consumption. For more information, visit Mobil 1.

7. Check All Fluids

During the winter months, fluids can be easily depleted as your engine works harder in colder weather. Check, top off, or replace all fluids, including brake, transmission, coolant, power steering, and windshield washer fluid.

8. Pressure Test

Assess the pressure of the cooling system and examine belts and hoses for wear or weakening. A well-maintained cooling system can prevent your engine from overheating, which is a common issue in warmer weather.

9. Interior Clean-Up

Vacuum and remove any unwanted garbage that has accumulated under your seats over the winter. Now is also the time to store your winter car mats in the garage.

10. Wash and Wax Your Car

All vehicles, regardless of the finish (clear coat, acrylic, enamel, etc.), need regular washing throughout the year. To preserve your car's shine and protect the surface, wax your vehicle once it has dried completely.

Conclusion

The warm conditions are here, so be sure to follow these basic tips to ensure vehicle dependability in the months ahead. By taking care of your vehicle, it will more likely take care of you, and it will do so for a lot less money.

For more detailed information on vehicle maintenance, visit Consumer Reports and Edmunds.

By following these steps, you'll be well-prepared for the warm weather, ensuring a safe and enjoyable driving experience.