Summer Heat Chevy Maintenance Tips in the New London, CT area
Now that it's time to pack away those winter woolies for residents in the New London, CT area, it's also time to gear up for the summer heat.
You may be wondering to yourself at this point, is my vehicle ready for summer and " What maintenance is required to get the best out of my Chevy in the summer heat"?
Our article helps you out by sharing summer heat Chevy maintenance tips in the New London, CT area.
Does my Chevy require any different maintenance in summer versus winter?
Yes, winter finds your Chevy prepped for freezing temperatures and icy road conditions, with engine oil perhaps changed to a thinner viscosity for the extremely low temperatures of the winter months, along with winter-only tires fitted.
Summer maintenance focuses on protecting against the heat, ensuring your Chevy's engine cooling operates optimally, that the oil is good, that your Chevy's air conditioning is fully functional, and that your tires are the correct type for summer.
What maintenance tasks should I be doing at the start of summer?
Start your summer driving off right by performing some simple maintenance tasks. If you are not the DIY type and mechanical work is not your wheelhouse, we recommend booking your Chevy for a checkup at a reputable Chevy service center, such as Colonial Chevrolet.
Battery
A battery check is highly recommended. Below-freezing temperatures can quickly take their toll on your vehicle's battery, as many vehicle owners in the northern states can attest.
Owners should have an expert test and check out their car's battery to see if it can still hold its charge and that the vehicle's charging system is fully functional.
Inspect all electrical terminals and connections for signs of corrosion or damage to ensure that everything electrical in your Chevy is working optimally.
Engine oil
So, if you've been a conscientious vehicle owner and have changed your vehicle's engine oil to the correct viscosity for winter, it's time to get it changed again.
Summer driving in the heat requires a different viscosity specification to ensure proper lubrication when the oil has to work harder to protect and lubricate vital moving engine components.
Engine coolant
Your antifreeze had to work hard over the winter months, and the summer season is no different.
Over time, especially during freezing winter periods, the antifreeze will break down, reducing its ability to prevent overheating. Continuing to drive with old coolant into the summer months may lead to excessive corrosion in your Chevy's cooling system, causing buildup of rust and scale that may clog the system and damage components like the radiator and water pump.
Freezing temperatures will also damage coolant hoses, so it's best to inspect them for cracks that could lead to overheating and severe engine damage if they fail.
Avoid expensive repair bills by checking your fluids and cooling system at Colonial Chevrolet's service center for complete peace of mind motoring.
Wiper blades
Damaged wiper blades are dangerous. Winter snow and ice can cause the rubber or silicone compounds in the wiper blades to deteriorate, leading to poor cleaning performance and annoying streaks that impair your forward view.
Have new wiper blades installed as soon as possible so you always have a clear windshield, as summer in the New London, CT area often brings periods of moderate-to-heavy rain.
Tires
As redundant as this sounds, we have to say this: if you had winter tires fitted for winter, then it's time to get the correct summer or all-season tires back on your Chevy.
Summer tires have harder compounds than those found in winter tires. For your summer travels, stay safe on the road and ensure that tires are the correct type for summer, that tire pressures are correct, and that wheel alignment is according to the manufacturer's specifications to ensure optimal traction and steering control at all times.
Airconditioning
Summers in New London, CT, do get hot and humid, and being able to climb into a cool cabin is one of life's little luxuries after the hustle and bustle of crowded, hot shops or even a hot, sweaty hike.
Typically, your vehicle's air conditioning system should be used in winter in New London, CT, primarily to dehumidify the cabin and clear fogged windows.
If the air conditioning system has not been used on vehicles parked off and garaged for winter, the system needs to be inspected.
Summer maintenance tips
Your responsibilities don't just stop at the beginning of summer when you've got your Chevy ready for summer time travels. You still need to maintain your vehicle during the full summer season.
Let's look at some top tips to keep your Chevy running in the summer heat, which pretty much follow the summer prep tasks shared above.
Engine oil
Check engine oil levels regularly and ensure oil services are performed at the manufacturer's recommended intervals.
Battery
Summer heat can damage your car's battery. Regularly inspect your car's battery and charging system, including belts, to ensure all electrical equipment is working properly.
Coolant levels
Check and maintain coolant levels to avoid overheating in hotter weather. Inspect hoses regularly for leaks or cracks and check the radiator for any debris that may clog the cooling fins.
Tires
Obviously, there's no slippery ice in summer to watch out for, but your tires take abuse from hotter road surfaces.
Keep tire pressures at the recommended levels, as hot weather increases tire pressure and increases the risk of a blowout.
Check tread wear to ensure your continued safety and to keep on the right side of the law, and perform regular tire rotation and wheel alignment to prevent premature tire wear.
Wiper blades
The sun will damage the blades in summer, so inspect the blades regularly for premature wear to ensure clear visibility at all times.
Airconditioning
When you notice that your climate control is not quite cooling you down, be sure to have the system checked out at a Chevy-certified service center to ensure all components are working optimally.
Maintain your Chevy at Colonial Chevrolet
Keep your Chevy running in top condition at Colonial Chevrolet's certified service center in New London, CT.
Our team of highly qualified technicians offers a full range of maintenance and repair services to keep you going during the summer heat.