Summer Driving Checklist | Sierra Blanca Motors
Summer has finally arrived! Whether you’re going on a vacation, road tripping, or staying in town this season, the last thing you want is for your vehicle to break down in this heat. Unfortunately, high temperatures are just as hard on your vehicle as they are on you, which is why routine vehicle maintenance and inspections are essential to keep your vehicle running.
As a Chevy dealership in Ruidoso, NM, Sierra Blanca Motors has proudly served Roswell, Las Cruces, Alamogordo, Carlsbad, and the surrounding communities of southeastern New Mexico for over 50 years. Our team of certified auto technicians offers competitive prices on a variety of vehicle services to get you ready for the road this summer. If you’re having vehicle troubles, contact us today to schedule a service appointment at (575) 315-0145!
Summer Vehicle Maintenance Tips Checklist
Air Conditioning
A broken A/C is the last thing you want while you’re driving in the summer heat, so make sure yours is running smoothly by taking your vehicle out for a test drive. If there is a noticeable decrease in cooling power or airflow, you will want to service your vehicle right away. A functioning air conditioning unit is essential to enjoying your summer travel.
Coolant
Perhaps unsurprisingly, an overheated engine is the number one cause of vehicle breakdowns during the summer. As the heat rises, the coolant in your vehicle’s radiator must work overtime to keep your engine from overheating. That is why it’s crucial to check on the condition and level of your vehicle’s coolant system and refill your coolant every year or two.
Oil Change
As oil levels decrease, your engine begins to heat up and can be permanently damaged. Don’t end up stranded by the side of the road this summer; be sure to check your engine’s oil and oil filter and replace them regularly according to your vehicle’s owner manual.
Test Your Battery
Hot summer days can be hard on your vehicle’s battery and harder on you if you’re stuck waiting for a jump. Have your vehicle’s battery and charging system tested by a professional, and keep an eye out for corrosion or lose cable connections.
Tires
As the temperature changes throughout the year, so does the pressure in your tires. Therefore, it is important to check the pressure in all your tires once a month to account for this. You’ll want to inspect the tread as well since worn tires perform poorly while breaking and in wet conditions. Additionally, you should have them rotated every 5,000 miles or so to prevent uneven wear and tear.
Inspect Your Brakes
Can you feel your brakes grinding or vibrating while your vehicle comes to a stop? Do you feel a pulsing when you apply pressure to them? If so, you should take your vehicle to a service professional right away. They will help inspect, repair, and replace your brake system as needed so you can continue driving safely this summer.
Windshield Wipers and Washer Fluid
You may think winter is the worst season for wiper blades, but summer can be just as damaging. As temperatures rise, the hot, dry air can crack your windshield wiper blades, and you don’t want to get caught in a storm with a blurry, streaky windshield. Be sure to replace your wiper blades every six to twelve months and refill the windshield washer reservoir with wiper fluid.
Sierra Blanca Motors | Your Dealer for Summer Vehicle Maintenance
At Sierra Blanca Motors, we’re not just a Jeep dealership in Ruidoso, NM selling vehicles, we help you maintain your vehicle for years to come. Our service department knows how important summer vehicle maintenance is to keep your vehicle running at peak performance year-round.
We have the best-certified auto technicians in Ruidoso and the surrounding communities of southeastern NM. Our team will treat your vehicle as they would their own so you can rest easy as we fix the problem. We service RAM, Jeep, Chevrolet, and other vehicle makes, so don’t hesitate to call us today at (575) 315-0145 to set up your appointment!
