Get Your Car Summer-Ready: A Timeline for Smooth & Safe Driving
Summer is right around the corner, which means road trips, beach days, and plenty of time spent behind the wheel. But before the temperatures rise, it’s important to make sure your car is ready for the heat. The intense summer sun, high temperatures, and long drives can put extra stress on your vehicle—so a little preparation now can save you from breakdowns later.
At Fox & Fox, we’ve put together a summer prep timeline to keep your car running smoothly, efficiently, and safely all season long.
6–8 Weeks Before Summer: Start with the Basics
As we transition from spring to summer, now is the perfect time to tackle essential maintenance and check for any lingering winter wear.
✅ Get an Oil Change – Fresh oil helps your engine stay cool and run efficiently, especially in the summer heat.
✅ Inspect Your Battery – Hot temperatures can weaken your battery faster than cold weather. If your battery is over 3 years old, get it tested.
✅ Check Your Tires – Warmer temperatures cause air pressure to rise, so make sure your tires are properly inflated. Also, check for worn tread—balding tires are dangerous on hot pavement.
✅ Replace Wiper Blades – Summer storms can hit suddenly, and you’ll want wipers that keep your windshield clear.
🚗 Pro tip: If you’re planning a long road trip, schedule a pre-trip inspection to catch potential issues before you hit the road!
4–6 Weeks Before Summer: A/C & Cooling System Check
The last thing you want is to get stuck in traffic on a 90-degree day with no air conditioning. Before summer officially arrives, make sure your A/C and cooling system are working properly.
✅ Test Your A/C – If it’s blowing warm air, making strange noises, or has a weak airflow, it may need a refrigerant recharge or other repairs.
✅ Inspect Coolant Levels – Your cooling system prevents engine overheating, which is more common in summer. Low coolant could mean a leak or system issue.
✅ Check Radiator Hoses & Belts – Heat can weaken rubber components, leading to cracks and potential failure.
🌡 Warning Signs of Cooling System Trouble:
⚠ Overheating gauge rising above normal
⚠ Coolant leaks under your car
⚠ Burning or sweet smells from the engine
🔧 If you notice any of these signs, bring your car to Fox & Fox before summer gets any hotter!
2–4 Weeks Before Summer: Deep Clean & Protect Your Car
Summer means more sun exposure, and heat can damage your car’s exterior and interior. Now’s the time to clean and protect your vehicle before the harsh sun takes its toll.
✅ Wash & Wax Your Car – Waxing protects your paint from UV damage and makes it easier to clean off dirt and bugs.
✅ Detail the Interior – Remove salt, sand, and debris from carpets, vacuum seats, and clean your dashboard to prevent sun cracking.
✅ Check Your Headlights & Brake Lights – Make sure all lights are bright and functioning, especially before road trips.
🌞 Want extra protection? Consider window tinting or a windshield sunshade to keep your car’s interior cool.
1–2 Weeks Before Summer: Final Safety & Performance Check
You’re almost ready for summer road trips and weekend getaways! Now’s the time for a final check-up to make sure everything is in peak condition.
✅ Brake Inspection – Hot pavement + bad brakes = dangerous driving conditions. If your brakes feel soft or make noise, get them checked ASAP.
✅ Check & Refill All Fluids – Transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and washer fluid should be topped off and clean.
✅ Test Your Spare Tire & Emergency Kit – A flat tire on a road trip is the worst. Make sure your spare is properly inflated, and your emergency kit has essentials like a tire jack, jumper cables, flashlight, and first aid supplies.
✅ Check Your Fuel Efficiency – If you’ve noticed a drop in MPG, it could be time for a fuel system cleaning or tire pressure adjustment.
🚗 Going on a summer road trip? Make sure your alignment, suspension, and exhaust system are all in good shape for long highway drives.
Summer Kickoff: Drive with Confidence!
Now that your car is prepped for the heat, you can hit the road with confidence! Whether you’re commuting, vacationing, or just enjoying a Sunday drive, taking these preventative steps will keep your car running smoothly and efficiently all summer long.
🌡️ Stay cool, stay safe, and enjoy the ride! 🚗💨
📅 Book your summer maintenance check-up today!
📞 Call us at (260) 424-1630
🌐 Schedule online at www.foxandfoxfw.com
📍 Visit us at 512 Van Buren Street in downtown Fort Wayne
🔥 Don’t wait for the summer heat to cause car trouble—let us get your vehicle road-trip ready today! 🔥