Get Your Vehicle Ready for Summer Heat
Summer stresses components that cruise through milder weather — and a breakdown on a hot highway is a miserable way to spend a road trip. Here's what to check before the temperatures climb.
Cooling System
- Coolant — Check the level in the overflow reservoir and inspect the condition. Old coolant turns brown as it gets acidic. If it looks rusty or has floating debris, flush it. Use a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water — don't just top off with water.
- Hoses — When the engine is cold, squeeze the radiator hoses. They should feel firm but pliable. Look for soft spots, bulges, or cracks near the clamps which could be a sign that a failure is waiting to happen.
- Radiator — Clear bugs and debris from the grille with low-pressure water. Check for visible leaks.
- Thermostat & Radiator Cap — If your thermostat gets stuck it will overheat your engine quickly. A weak radiator cap lowers the boiling point of your coolant. Both are inexpensive to replace.
- Cooling Fan — Confirm electric fans kick on as the engine warms; check belt-driven fans for wear and tension.
Fluids
- Engine Oil — Check the level and the color. Dark brown or black means it's due for a change. In extreme heat, a slightly higher viscosity, such as 5W-40, may be worth considering — ask our Jeno’s staff about your vehicle and higher viscosity oil.
- Transmission Fluid — Should look pinkish-red, not dark, and shouldn't smell burnt. Transmission flushes are recommended every 30,000 miles.
- Brake Fluid — Absorbs moisture over time, which lowers its boiling point and can cause brake fade on a hot day. Should be clear to light yellow; replace if dark or murky.
- Power Steering Fluid — Check for leaks and top off if needed. A whining noise when turning your steering wheel is the usual warning sign.
Additional Checks Worth Making
- Battery — Heat degrades batteries faster than cold. If your battery is over three years old, get it load-tested.
- Tires — Check your tire pressure using the door jamb sticker, not the sidewall. Know that underinflated tires on hot pavement increase blowout risk. Consistently check your tires for nails or sidewall cracking when filling your car with gas or recharging your vehicle.
- Air Conditioning — Test it now. Your refrigerant needs upgrading if you get a lukewarm air flow.
- Cabin Air Filter — Do you get that musty smell when you run the air conditioning system? Jeno’s cabin filter replacement will take care of that problem. Also a clogged filter results in a weak airflow.
Putting in some time to prepare for Colorado’s hot summer ahead is well worth the cost compared to a tow bill — or a ruined trip. Let Jeno’s make sure you are ready for the hot months ahead.