Spring is just about over, which means it is time to think about summer and all the things to do during this season. For some that means jumping in the car for a road trip, weekend getaways or just battling the heat. For everyone it means changing road conditions.
The summer weather brings different challenges for motorists, and you need to be prepared to handle these changes or any unexpected surprises on your drive. Here are some ways to be ready for whatever the summer throws at your auto.
Battery Backup
The summer is great for traveling around, so we hop in the car and crank up the A/C without thinking about battery life. If you live in an area with extreme cold in the winter, heat in the summer or mainly use your car for short trips, then your battery might be running low at times. Next thing you know you are stuck on the side of the road in the scorching heat with a dead battery. A good solution is to keep a set of jumper cables in the trunk, but what if your battery dies without anyone around? A lithium jump starter can provide a jump wherever you go. It can even act as a power bank for your phone or tablet through USB. These take up very little room and can really save you from a nasty emergency situation. They can also be recharged for repeated use.
Bluetooth Diagnostics
If you have a long-distance drive ahead of you, the last thing you need is a check engine light to ruin the fun. What does that mysterious little light mean? Do you have a serious issue or is it just a reminder for scheduled maintenance? You could take your car in to the shop and pay someone a diagnosis fee, or you could use an OBD II diagnostic scanner to see how serious the problem is first by yourself. These little gadgets are Bluetooth capable, so you can get a better read on the problem sent directly to your Android device. The best part is these also can give you performance data like 0-60 mph time, 1/4 mile, 1/8 mile times and more information for fun or practical use.
Summer Tires
All-season tires are a good balance of all-around comfort and offer acceptable performance in most conditions, however they may not be the best choice for your drive. If you have a high-performance vehicle, or want to increase your responsiveness, cornering and braking, summer tires are a great way to go. The specialized tread patterns offer more contact with the road for better traction, and perform better in wet conditions due to the water evacuation tread design. More effective water evacuation from the treads means less chance of hydroplaning and losing control. In regions with more rainfall during the summer months this could be a big advantage and provide a more secure ride.
Fluids
No matter what region you drive in, increased heat means more stress, as well as wear and tear on your engine. It is always important to ensure your coolant and other fluids are properly topped off. Carry a spare jug of water along just for overheating emergencies. There are also plenty of apps available on the market for your phone to help keep track of your auto maintenance schedule, which really comes in handy year-round.
Summer Road Trip
Summer is a great time to get outside and journey around, but it also presents new challenges for motorists. Having the proper equipment can help you be prepared to have more fun in the sun.
How do you get your vehicle ready for summer?
