Summer is finally here!  That means barbeques, swimming, and for the lucky ones, vacations.  For many of us summer is a great time of the year.  For our vehicles it can also be a great time of the year, but there are some considerations to be aware of:

Cooling System

Did you know that your vehicle’s cooling system operates at temperatures above water’s boiling point (212 degrees)?  By pressurizing the cooling system the fluid inside can achieve higher temperatures without boiling.  This is a good thing, because the heat produced by the engine has to go somewhere, so the cooling system absorbs the heat.  It’s important that the cooling system has the correct amount and concentration of coolant and that it can operate at the correct pressure.  The coolant should be flushed periodically and the system tested for leaks or weak points.  The radiator cap is one of the most overlooked components of the cooling system.

Air Conditioning

There’s nothing fun about losing your air conditioning when the temperature outside could fry an egg on the sidewalk.  The air conditioning system on your vehicle is a closed system, so in theory the refrigerant gas/fluid should never leak out.  There are numerous seals and components in the system that can leak or fail, and many of us only find out about this when we try to use the A/C for the first time.  If you find that you’re A/C system is blowing warm air instead of cold, then you should have it checked out by a certified technician.  Your problem could be as simple as a corroded connection.  A certified Auto-Lab technician can diagnose the problem for you and present you with service options.

Don’t Forget About Your Oil

Heat is the enemy of your vehicle’s engine.  Heat can lead to increased friction and wear.  Conventional oil breaks down after a period of time.  This is greatly affected by temperature.  Synthetic blends and fully synthetic oils are more resistant to the negative effects of heat due to special additives.  Conventional oils are fine for the summer, but ensure you are having the vehicle serviced at its recommended intervals.  Routine maintenance is a relatively inexpensive insurance policy for your vehicle.    

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