Beyond getting hit by a wave of hot air as soon as you open your car door, there are a host of serious vehicle complications created by excessive heat. From performance issues to exterior damage, the hot summer sun can be brutal on your vehicle. The best way to keep heat-related problems at bay is with regular car maintenance and inspections. Proper care and check-ins with your Reno auto repair shop can significantly reduce your chances of suffering from a serious or minor car problem in the heat of summer. With that in mind, here are some of our best car maintenance tips to help prepare you for the warmer weather.
#1 Check the Tire Pressure
Tire pressure plays a huge role in your vehicle’s performance and handling capabilities. An underinflated tire typically runs hotter than normal which can quickly lead to a tire blowout. And in the summer months when temperatures are scorching, the risk of this occurring is heightened. To prevent this from happening, check your tire pressure regularly to ensure levels are normal.
#2 Change Your Windshield Wipers
Rain and mud can prevent you from being able to see while driving, and though we may not get much rain in Reno, we do get a lot of heat in the summer. Windshield wipers are made from a flexible rubber material that suffers greatly in high temperatures. They can crack, blister, and break, leaving you vulnerable if the weather does go south. Windshield wipers can keep you safe on the road so be sure to have them replaced every 6 months.
#3 Prepare an Emergency Kit to Keep in Your Car or RV
An emergency kit should be kept in your vehicle at all times, but it’s important to check and update the kit with each new season. You should keep your emergency kit in a safe and accessible place in your car. Fill your emergency kit with:
- Jumper cables
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Road flares
- Coolant
- Phone charger
- Water
- Nonperishable food
- Fire blanket
#4 Give Your Vehicle a Bath
Once the weather warms up, it’s time to wash your car or RV. While this tip isn’t safety-related, it’s still important for keeping your vehicle properly maintained. Winter can be brutal on your car and RV, inside and out. Salt and sand lead to corrosion on the undercarriage and mud and water can also cause a big mess. Be sure to really clean the exterior paint, wheels wells, and the engine compartment. Focus on the windows as they can affect your visibility, and don’t forget to wipe down the inside!
And if you’re not wanting to clean and wash your car or RV on your own, have it detailed by a quality Reno auto detailing shop like A1 Body Shop.
#5 Protect the Interior and Exterior
After you’ve thoroughly cleaned your car, it’s time to protect it from dirt and grime. To help keep the interior and exterior of your car in tip-top shape, add a sealant or protective coating to its surfaces. There are sealants for exterior paint, wheels, tires, carpets, leather, cloth, and windows that will keep your car or RV looking like new.
#6 Preparing Your RV’s Plumbing System
Dewinterizing your RV is crucial before taking off on a spring or summer trip. The biggest step in doing this is flushing your plumbing system. Winterizing your RV involves adding non-toxic antifreeze to the water system. This helps prevent the pipes from freezing and bursting in the winter, but the antifreeze needs to be thoroughly cleaned out before you can use any of the water. To make your drinking, cooking, and bathing water clean and safe to use, you need to flush and then sanitize the entire plumbing system.
The process requires you to turn on the water pump, open all the faucets, and letting the water run for several minutes. Once the water comes out completely clear, the system can be sanitized. Your water will then be safe to use, just remember to dump the dirty water from the holding tanks at an official dump site.
#7 Check Your RV’s Leveling System
#7 Check Your RV’s Leveling SystemThe leveling system on your RV ensures that your vehicle remains stable and flat while parked. Many RV’s rely on an automatic hydraulic leveling system which if properly maintained, should function without issue. To ensure the hydraulic level works as it should, have the system inspected by a reputable RV shop before bringing it on the road again. They can check for signs of wear and tear and address them before a problem arises.
#8 Test Your Appliances
You would be pretty upset if you got your RV set up for a long vacation only to realize that there is something wrong with your appliances. You not only rely on your appliances for comfortability, but for safety and security as well. Before heading out on the road, it’s important to check that all of your appliances are working properly. If you notice an issue with any of the appliances, contact our certified RV repair shop to schedule a time to have it looked at.
#9 Check Propane Tanks
If your RV uses propane, you’ll want to replace the propane in all of the tanks and secure them tightly in their mounts. Once the propane has been replaced, you can reconnect the hose. After connecting the hose and fitting, you should check for any leaks in the connectors and tighten if necessary. Then you should check your propane appliances to see if they are working properly.
#10 Test the RV Generator
Your RV’s generator gives your vehicle the power that is needed to turn on the light, use the fridge, and so much more. It stores energy that can be used to power your RV and it requires some regular maintenance to function at its best. You should have your onboard generator inspected and serviced by a professional if you notice the oil levels are low. And other generators, such as gas, need to be checked as well. Start by inspecting the exhaust system for damage, and then turn the generator on to test it. If the generator surges or does not start, then have it assessed and repaired by a professional.
Stop by A1 Body Shop for a Vehicle Inspection
You can trust the ASE-certified auto technicians at A1 Body Shop to care for your car as if it were their own. Our number one priority is always the safety and security of our customers which starts with getting your vehicle to function and operate at its best. A1 Body Shop has the tools, expertise, and experience to provide you with the highest quality auto repair services Reno has to offer. Connect with us today to get your vehicle in the shop for a comprehensive inspection before summer hits!