Summer Car Maintenance Tips for Canadians

Summer is finally here, and for Canadian drivers, that means long drives, weekend getaways, and road trips to explore the beautiful outdoors. However, with the rise in temperature, comes a different set of challenges for your vehicle. From hot weather and thunderstorms to dusty roads and heavy traffic, summer can take a toll on your car if you're not careful. That's why we've put together a list of summer car maintenance tips to help you prepare your vehicle for the upcoming season.

Here’s your summer car maintenance checklist to ensure your vehicle is summer ready:

1. Check the tires

Checking your tires is important to prevent vehicle breakdowns, which can be a common issue during summer when you may be driving longer distances.

You can do this by examining the rubber to ensure it has good tread and even wear, as uneven wear can indicate a vehicle alignment problem. It's important to check the depth of your tire treads, especially since many Canadians will be driving on hot pavement during the summer months, which can cause additional wear and tear on tires. Additionally, summer rain can make roads slippery, so maintaining good traction is crucial. Some cars have technology that can help you assess this.

You should also check the level of inflation of your tires, especially after colder weather, as lower temperatures can cause inflation levels to drop. Checking the tire pressure when the tires are cooled is best, as it will give you a more accurate reading. By ensuring your tires are in good condition and properly inflated, your vehicle will run more efficiently and you may even notice better gas mileage.

2. Check the fluids and coolants

It's important to check all of the fluids in your vehicle. This includes coolant, which helps keep your engine running smoothly. You should make sure the coolant system is free of damage and the belts are tight. If you're not sure how to do this, you can take your vehicle to a dealership or service shop to get it checked.

You can also easily maintain the wiper fluid and oil levels yourself. Make sure they're at the right level so your car is working properly. You should also get your filter changed as part of your regular servicing. Remember, it's important to check your vehicle's fluids throughout the year, but especially before summer driving to ensure your car is ready for the warmer weather.

3. Check the air conditioning

During the summer, air conditioning becomes an essential feature of our vehicles. It keeps us comfortable when the sun is beating down and the heat is up. Not only that, but using the air conditioning with the windows up can also save fuel while driving. It's a good idea to have your air conditioning checked at least once a year, but it's especially important to make sure it's working properly before any summer road trips. If your A/C doesn't seem to be cooling enough, there may be a freon leak, so it's important to get it checked regularly to avoid any issues. By being smart about your vehicle and keeping up with its maintenance, you can have a smoother driving experience all year round.

Tip: Keep your vehicle's A/C set on "interior circulation" rather than "exterior intake" to keep the air cool inside the cabin, without adding strain to your air conditioning system which has to work harder to cool down hot air from outside the vehicle.

4. Check the wipers

When summer comes, it brings thunderstorms too. So, it's important to prepare your vehicle for the rain. You can do this by checking your windshield wipers. During winter, the cold weather can damage wipers, and the salt and ice can make it worse. To make sure they're working well, look for any tears or cracks on each blade. And if they leave streaks on your windshield, it's a sign that you need to replace them.

You might be asking; "what windshield wipers do I need?" Well, Canadian Tire has a great in-store system to help you find what set of windshield wipers you need for your model of car.

5. Check the undercarriage

During the winter months, the salt, sand, and other materials used on the roads can damage the bottom part of your car. Check underneath your vehicle for any rust or corrosion. You can also take it to an automatic car wash that has spraying machines designed to clean the underside of your car. This will get rid of any salt and help prevent rust or other damage.

6. Change the air filters

Your car has two air filters - one for the engine and one for the interior passenger cabin. During winter, dust, mold, and mildew can build up in the cabin filter and cause unpleasant smells. A dirty engine filter can reduce fuel efficiency by restricting the airflow needed for proper combustion. To fix this, change both filters during your spring car maintenance tune-up. If you'd like to save a bit of money and change the cabin air filter yourself, you can do a quick search on sites like Amazon and look for your model of car, then consult your vehicle manual for the intructions (air cabin filters are usually located in the glove box in your vehicle). It's easy and should only take a couple of minutes, potentially saving you money instead of asking a mechanic to change it.

These tips will help you keep your car in top condition and ensure a safe and enjoyable summer driving experience. If you're thinking of buying a new car this summer, get in touch with us. You can check out our current selection of cars and our expert financial advisors will help you finance a car that fits your budget.