8001 Minnetonka Blvd.

952.931.9696

Mon-Thu: 7am -6pm
Friday: 7am – 5pm

6407 West Lake Street

952.922.9696

Mon-Thu: 7am -6pm
Friday: 7am – 5pm

Thank you for choosing D&D Autoworks for your vehicles’ service, maintenance and repair.

Summer Vehicle check

by | May 31, 2018 | Battery, Summer, Summer check list

summer

 

While cold temperatures can be rough on your car, so can the high heat and humidity. This will bring its own set of challenges, making summer car care equally essential. If you notice any issues your vehicle might have, make sure to bring it in so we can inspect it for you. By noticing an issue at the first sign, you can help save time, money, and stress in the long run.

Change your oil

If you use conventional motor oil, a 3,000 to 5,000 mile interval between changes is good and for synthetic oil. The intervals can be around 7,500 miles or more. Be sure to check your owner’s manual for manufacturer’s recommendations on brand and weight of oil as well as oil change intervals. Some vehicles’ engines are actually engineered for the anti-corrosion agents, friction modifiers, gasket conditioners and other additives in proprietary formulations of motor oil. Using another type of oil can cause damage in the long run and can invalidate a warranty.

Check the coolant

The coolant in your vehicle’s radiator works even harder in summer. In addition to keeping your car from overheating, coolant guards against corrosion and lubricates your water pump. However, coolant degrades and loses its effectiveness, so you should change out conventional coolant every one to two years, and extended life coolant every five years.

Test the battery

Summer can be harder on a battery than winter. Since this happens, you will want to make sure the battery is inspected on a regular basis. Schedule an appointment with us and bring the vehicle in. We will be able to check the battery for you.

Inspect the tires

Always check the tread on your vehicle’s tires. Rain-slick roads shorten stopping distances and impair maneuverability. Poor tire tread worsens both conditions, so replace your tires as needed. You should also rotate your tires and be sure to frequently check the air pressure. If you notice there is an issue with the tires, make sure to bring the vehicle in as soon as possible.

Big temperature swings can cause your tires to lose pressure more quickly. This can lead to inferior performance and reduced gas mileage. Make sure to check the pressure first thing in the morning. The heat of the day, and particularly driving, will inflate your tires a little and you want to check them when they’re cold.