The summer is the most-driven season of all. And in most places, it’s the toughest season on your car: the heat beats down on your paint and your car’s interior and tests your radiator and air conditioning systems. 
In 5 simple steps, you can minimize, if not eliminate, the odds of a major catastrophe.
- Check the tire pressure. Match tire pressure to the level recommended in your manual. The summer heat causes air to expand in your tires, so you will want to adjust it a bit from spring levels. Low pressure can mean a blowout. High pressure can cause hydroplaning in rain. And don’t forget the spare.
- Oil and wiper blades. Run the car for a minute, then check the oil. It should be clean and at the proper level. Your wiper blades went dull over the winter, so give them a quick change. Rain is uncommon in the summer, but it comes in buckets and you will want a clear windshield when it arrives.
- Pay for a quick tune up. Meineke and Firestone often check your A/C, radiator fluid, plugs, wires, etc. for around $70. If something is on the verge of breaking on you in hot summer traffic, it will get found and replaced prior to the stress of a break-down.
- Remove excess weight. Are you carrying around tools, equipment, and other junk you just don’t need? For every 100 pounds you remove, you improve fuel economy by 2%.
- Prepare for a breakdown. Invest in a AAA emergency kit with jumper cables, flashlight, a small air compressor, and more.