May. 28th Summer Tune-Up Tips For Your Vehicle

Getting a Tune-Up in Nashville, TN

Everyone knows that the summertime is the season of road trips! So, with summer here, you’ll want to make sure your vehicle is in perfect shape for any spontaneous road trips you might take. Before you venture out on the open road, it’s extremely important to make sure that your auto is in the perfect condition for long distance driving. Not only is this important for the longevity of your vehicle, but for your safety and the safety of your passengers as well. We’re here to help with a tune-up in Nashville, TN! Keep your car healthy with scheduled tune-ups at Hillsboro Village Auto Service. Your trusted auto mechanic.

Here are a few great tune-up tips to consider for your vehicle during the summer season:

  • Clean your battery: Hot, humid weather combined with long drives can easily overwork your vehicle’s battery. Sometimes this can lead to the leaking of battery acid from the terminals. To keep your battery clean and high-functioning, you’ll want to clean it on a regular basis. For a clean, healthy battery, you can scatter a modest amount of baking soda on both the battery and the terminals. Spray the baking soda with a bit of water and let it sit. Once an hour has passed, wipe the mixture off with a damp cloth or sponge. This will help to remove any built-up residue on your battery.
  • Check your fluid levels: Maintaining the recommended fluid levels will help to keep your vehicle running properly. Before hitting the road, check to see if your coolant–aka antifreeze–is at an optimal level. If low, your car will be prone to overheating. Additionally, schedule an appointment with your local auto mechanic for an oil change. New oil will help to keep your vehicle running smoothly during your trip. Your local mechanic will also be able to check your transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. Though it’s not as critical as your oil and coolant, make sure you have extra windshield washer fluid on hand in case you drive through a buggy area!
  • Check your tire pressure: It’s important to check your tire pressure before and after long trips to ensure safety. Tires with low pressure are more susceptible to wearing and even blowouts. To avoid this pricey and dangerous outcome, check your tire pressure before you hit the road. If the pressure is below the recommended amount that’s specified in the owner’s manual, you’ll need to inflate them. Luckily, most gas stations have tire air stations you can use.
  • Replace your windshield wiper blades: If you can’t remember the last time you replaced your wipers, it might be a good idea to do so before you plan any road trips. A good indication that your wipers need to be replaced is if they are making loud, squeaking noises while in use or decrease your visibility during a rainfall. Typically, you should replace your windshield wipers every 6 months.

Although auto maintenance can be a little tricky and expensive, it’s worth the effort when it comes to your safety on the road–regardless if you have a long road trip planned or not. During your summer travels, it’s important to make sure your car is in excellent shape to sustain the hot summertime weather. With the following tune-up tips, your vehicle is sure to be in great condition for any fun, summer road trip activities.