When the weather warms up in Toronto, that’s a sign it might be time to get your vehicle serviced at Downtown Lincoln. Here are some helpful summer vehicle service tips to keep your car running smoothly throughout the season and well into the future.
Fluid Levels
What helps your car working properly in all kinds of weather are the many fluids that are contained under the hood. The start of each season is an ideal time to check the levels and top off the following vital vehicle fluids:
- Windshield wiper
- Motor oil
- Power steering
- Brake
- Transmission
Run the A/C
One of the most irritating things that can happen on a hot day is finding out your car’s air conditioning no longer works. Instead of suffering in the heat, check on the status of your A/C unit ahead of time. Put the system on the highest fan setting and coolest temperature. If, after about five minutes, you still feel warm air coming out of the vents or if the air isn’t as cool as you think it should be, schedule an appointment with us to get that fixed.
Tire Needs
After a snowy and icy winter as well as a rainy spring, your car’s tires may need some attention. As temperatures change, the air pressure in the tires also adapts. This means that you should check the PSI for each tire to ensure that they are not under- or overfilled. Either of these is not good for the health of your tires and could lead to less traction on the road. Be sure to check for any signs of uneven wear on the tread or any bulging and cracking. When you have tires replaced, you’ll also need an alignment done so that the tires wear evenly on the road.
Emergency Kit Update
While most people think an emergency kit is best for winter weather, it’s always a great idea to update what’s in your kit as the seasons change. You will likely no longer need things like a shovel or hand warmers and should instead be sure your emergency kit contains things like:
- Ponchos or an umbrella
- A reflective blanket to reduce heat
- Sunscreen
- Flashlight
- Phone charger
- Bandages
- Jumper cables
- Non-perishable snacks
Check the Battery
During the cold months of winter, your car’s battery has been hard at work to ensure that you can get where you’re going and enjoy things like heated seats and more. Now is a good time to check on the health of your vehicle battery. Pop the hood and first check the battery terminals. If you notice any corrosion, clean it with some baking soda and warm water. You can typically find a car battery tester in stores or online to check the charge levels. But if that sounds like too much of a hassle, our team can easily and quickly check your car battery during a routine maintenance visit.
Clean It Inside and Out
Of course, you want your vehicle to look its best in the summer sun. Not only that, but when you clean your car’s exterior and add things like wax or clear coat, you’re protecting the paint from harmful UV rays and extending the luster and shine. Skip the underbody wash in the drive-thru unless you’ve been off-roading, as this service is typically ideal for winter weather to remove road salt. Don’t forget to spruce up the interior and get your sunshade ready for use as temperatures rise (to protect the dashboard).
Lincoln Vehicle Service Near Me
If you’re not sure how to handle any of these maintenance tasks or if you have any questions about your vehicle’s needs, feel free to reach out to our team at Downtown Lincoln in Toronto, Ontario, or come visit our Service Department.