9 Simple Maintenance Tips That Can Change Everything

Can you believe that summer, and those blistering temperatures, are almost here? 

While the year is almost halfway gone, after the last year of quarantine and craziness, most people can only think of one thing: summer vacation. 

If you are planning on driving to your vacation, summertime maintenance on your vehicle is more important now than ever. 

Let’s not forget that before you know it, you might be returning to your regular commute and your kids will start school once more. 

All of this adds up to extra use your vehicle hasn’t seen in nearly a year. 

Why Summertime Maintenance is SO Important

Nothing can spoil a vacation or road trip faster than a breakdown. Not even Montezuma’s revenge can match the frustration and aggravation you and your family will go through if you are stuck in the summer heat with a dead car. 

Of course, no one can predict when your car will choose to have a hissy fit, but by having summer maintenance done, you are purchasing an insurance policy of sorts that says you and your car should be just fine. 

No one wants to spend even one minute stuck by the side of the road with cranky kids and a spouse that is mad as heck. Save your vacation and perhaps even your marriage by having summer maintenance done by the professionals at Hong Kong Auto Service. 

What Does Summertime Maintenance Include? 

The time to do summer maintenance is now before those heat waves hit Chicago. The ASE-certified experts at Hong Kong Auto Service know what to do and what potential problems your car might have down the road. 

Summer maintenance includes items such as: 

• Servicing the cooling system- No, not the air conditioning, the cooling system for your vehicle. More cars overheat during those high summer temperatures than at any other time. Loaded with luggage and extra people, all that weight puts an extra strain on your engine and your engine must keep its cool.  The radiator, radiator hoses, water pump, fans, and fan belts will all be inspected for wear and damage. 
• Change the oil- Having fresh oil is like a cool drink of water and a shower for your motor. Fresh, clean oil keeps the engine cooler and everything in the motor well lubricated. 
• Inspect the battery and cables- Batteries also die in the hot summer months. While the battery might seem OK today, when temps reach the 90’s, it may be more than your battery can handle. The average lifespan of a battery is 4-6 years. Do you know how old your battery is? The pros at Hong Kong Auto Service will inspect the battery and the battery cables to make sure everything is in good working order. 
• Check and service the air conditioning- No one wants to drive in triple-digit temperatures if the air conditioning should fail. Everything in the air conditioning system will be inspected, including freon levels, belts, hoses, and the compressor, clutch, evaporator, and receiver drier. You don’t need to know what all those parts are, the experts at Hong Kong Auto Service do and they will make sure you and your passengers stay cool and comfy this summer! 
• Replace the wiper blades- While the temperatures outside may be blistering hot, that doesn’t mean you won’t hit a summer storm. You will see clearly and be able to drive safely with a new set of wiper blades. 
• Fill all fluid levels- Your car operates using many different types of fluids including windshield washer fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and more. Our mechanics will check and top off all fluids, so you don’t have to worry about those pesky engine lights coming on. 
• Inspect the tires- Flat tires suck. Our mechanics will inspect the tires for excessive wear, low or over inflation, and alignment problems. 
• Change the air filter- The air filter on your vehicle provides the motor with fresh air and over the winter, it’s probably become clogged with salt and other thick, filmy things. A new air filter will increase gas mileage and give your car more zoom power! 
• Inspect all the lights- Your car has lots of lightbulbs and we will inspect them all, so you don’t get stopped for non-working lights. A light inspection includes headlights, high beams, turn signals, brake lights, taillights, and side markers. We even check the interior lights so you can search for that dropped cell phone. 

Wow! Bet you didn’t know that summer maintenance included all of those services! 

Other Items to Consider

These don’t apply to everyone, but your vehicle may need a few extras, such as: 

• Changing out those winter tires for summer tires
• If the brake pedal feels spongy or if you hear squeaking or squealing sounds, the brakes should be inspected.
• If you see some oil or other spots under the car, it should be inspected for leaks 
• Wash the undercarriage if you haven’t already done so
• If you are ready for your annual smog inspection, we can make sure your vehicle passes the first time
• If your Check Engine light is on, our professionally trained mechanics can find out the problem so you can drive carefree this summer
• If it’s time for your regular service interval (30K, 50K, etc.) we can do that service at the same time we inspect your vehicle for the summer

Hong Kong Auto Service Is Here for You

Preparing your car for the summer is just plain smart thinking. The best summer maintenance skill is the one you will actually do, so don’t wait until the day before your vacation to have your vehicle serviced. 

You would be wise to have your vehicle serviced at least 2 weeks before you head out on vacation in case parts need to be ordered. If you aren’t planning on driving this summer, have it serviced before those temps reach the 90’s. 

No matter where you plan to go, even if all you are doing is starting your regular commute to work once more, you don’t want to be stuck anywhere with a broken-down car. 

Call the certified professionals at Hong Kong Auto Service. We know your car and can tell you not only what items your car needs but we can get you back on the road in no time. 

The best way to avoid a breakdown is to keep your car properly maintained. Let the pros at Hong Kong Auto Service take care of your service needs today. 

Call us for an appointment right now, while you are thinking about it. Your car, and your family, will thank you.