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Summer is finally here! It's time for family road trips and other excuses to hop in the car and drive around without so much snow and rain on the roads. The big question: Is your car ready for summer?
The more you drive your vehicle, the more you need it to be running well. After a long, cold winter, it's undoubtedly time for a tune-up. These simple maintenance steps from LightHouse Automotive can help you get more out of your car this summer:
1. Get the Oil Changed
This is something you should be doing every 3,000-5,000 miles, no matter what the weather. However, even if you didn't drive that much mileage over the winter months, it's still probably a good idea to change the oil and filter. The more the car sits around in the cold, the quicker the oil will deteriorate. Now is a great time to give it some fresh life with a simple oil change.
2. Wheel Alignment and Tire Rotation
Make sure your wheels are aligned properly and your tires are rotated regularly (every 5,000-6,000 miles) to keep even tread wear and maximize the lifespan of the tires. Also, routinely checking the air pressure are is a good habit to get into.
3. Get Your Brakes Inspected
There's no better time for a routine brake inspection. Make sure those brake pads and rotors are in good shape, especially if you are about to go on any road trips through the mountains.
4. Tune-up the Air Conditioner
You are likely going to be using your air conditioner more over the summer months, so get your A/C tuned up, recharged and working as efficiently as possible to keep you cool and keep the car from overheating.
5. Get Your Cooling System Inspected
Speaking of overheating, your car's cooling system needs to be ready for the summer heat, mountain driving and more tourist traffic in town. Make sure your radiator has the right level of coolant and that the coolant itself is in good shape. Have your water pump, hoses, fan belts and other vital cooling system elements checked out by a professional mechanic.
These are just a few of the most important (and easy) things you can do for your car heading into summer. For all your Colorado Springs vehicle maintenance and auto repair needs, call LightHouse Automotive today at (719) 465-0302 or schedule your next service appointment online.