Getting your license and your first set of keys is a major milestone. It represents total freedom, spontaneous weekend road trips, and the end of waiting around for rides. Now that summer has finally arrived, you are probably planning plenty of drives to the beach, local parks, or friends' houses. But with that freedom comes a brand new responsibility that a lot of fresh drivers overlook: taking care of the mechanical machine that gets you from point A to point B.
At our shop, we love seeing young drivers pull into our service bays. We remember exactly what it was like to handle that first car. We also know that automotive maintenance can feel pretty intimidating when you are first starting out. There are a lot of terms you might not know and plenty of myths floating around online. Summer heat places an immense amount of physical stress on a vehicle, so we have put together a beginner-friendly car care guide to help you navigate your very first warm-weather driving season without any major hiccups.
Master the Three Basic Fluid Checks
You do not need to be a mechanical genius to keep your car healthy, but you do need to know how to open your hood and check a few vital fluids. These liquids are the lifeblood of your vehicle, and running low on them during a hot summer afternoon can cause massive damage.
Engine Oil: Think of oil like the lubricant that keeps the internal metal parts of your engine sliding smoothly instead of grinding together. Pull your oil dipstick out, wipe it clean with a paper towel, stick it all the way back in, and pull it out again. Make sure the oil level falls between the two markings at the tip of the stick.
Engine Coolant: This is the brightly colored fluid that keeps your engine from overheating in ninety-degree weather. Never open the actual radiator cap when the car is hot, but feel free to check the see-through plastic overflow tank next to the engine to ensure the liquid reaches the full line.
Windshield Washer Fluid: Summer means bug splatters, road dust, and sudden thunderstorms. Keeping this reservoir topped off ensures you can always clear your vision instantly while driving at highway speeds.
Understand Your Tires Beyond the Tread
Your tires are the only four points of contact your car has with the pavement, making them your number one safety feature. Summer asphalt gets incredibly hot, which causes the air inside your tires to expand. If your tires are under-inflated or over-inflated, that extra heat and pressure can cause a sudden blowout.
Buy a cheap digital tire pressure gauge and keep it in your glove box. Look at the sticker inside your driver-side door jamb to find the exact pressure number your car requires. Check your tires in the morning before you drive, as driving heats up the air and gives you an inaccurate reading. While you are down there, take a look at the tread. If the rubber looks smooth or bald, your car will slide around dangerously during a summer rainstorm.
Listen to Your Dashboard and Your Ears
Modern cars are incredibly smart and will usually try to tell you when they are unhappy. If a yellow or red light pops up on your dashboard, do not ignore it or tape over it. A yellow light means you need to get a system checked soon, while a red light means you need to pull over safely and shut the car off immediately to prevent terminal damage.
You should also pay close attention to any new noises your car starts making. If you hear a high-pitched squeal when you step on the brakes, that is a built-in safety warning telling you that your brake pads are getting thin. If you hear a deep clunking sound when you go over speed bumps, your suspension needs some professional attention. Catching these noises early will save you thousands of dollars down the road.
Autoworks Of Issaquah Can Be Your Automotive Mentor
Taking care of your first car does not have to be a stressful guessing game. Our team of friendly technicians is always here to answer your questions without using confusing mechanic jargon. We believe in helping the next generation of drivers understand their vehicles so they can stay safe, confident, and independent on every single journey.
If you want a professional to walk you through a basic safety check, or if you are worried about a strange noise your car is making, bring your vehicle to Autoworks Of Issaquah in Issaquah, WA.
We will give your car a thorough digital inspection, check your battery, test your air conditioning, and make sure you are fully prepared for a fantastic summer on the road.