We recently gave you the rundown on which Chevy SUVs are the best for summer road trips, but what if you’ve already got your perfect Chevy vehicle? If you’re already the proud owner of a Chevy car, truck, or SUV, then it’s time to get it ready for the changing season. The sun is already shining bright, and the temperatures are already getting high, and we’re still a few weeks away from the seasons actually switching over. So we’ve put together a little guide for summer driving prep for your Chevy instead, taking a look at things like your cooling system and tires to make sure you’re truly ready for your next road trip.
The Cooling System
Let’s start by taking a closer look at your Chevy’s cooling system. When summer hits its peak here in Oklahoma, your engine can reach internal temperatures that are nothing short of extreme. The job of the cooling system in your Chevy vehicle is to dissipate all of that extra heat, but it can’t do it as well if it’s not in good condition. This is because your coolant (or antifreeze) can become contaminated or even acidic as time passes, losing its ability to protect your engine from overheating and corrosion.
Our recommendation is to bring your Chevy vehicle in for a professional inspection of your cooling system as a whole, which includes the radiator, hoses, and water pump. Depending on your vehicle’s maintenance schedule, it may also be time for a coolant flush, which is one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent a major engine failure.
The Tires
Regardless of season, your tires are always going to be one of the most important things to look at when maintaining or prepping your vehicle for anything. While you might think the icy, salty winter season is the worst for your tires, extreme heat can be just as bad if not even worse. Much like in winter, the temperature swings can have an impact on your tires’ pressure, this time increasing the pressure proportionally while the temperature rises which can lead to overinflation and, therefore, reduced traction.
Here are a few of the things you should look at where your tires are concerned:
- Start by checking tire pressure, but then do this again fairly regularly. If you have a modern Chevy, it should have a TPMS system to make this easier.
- Next check tread depth to ensure that your tires haven’t become too worn, as summer rain can lead to hydroplaning.
- Lastly, get a tire rotation if you haven’t in a while, as this can extend the life of your tires and ensure even wear as you drive.
The A/C System
While this next one won’t really have an effect on your vehicle itself, it’s a huge one for your own comfort and convenience — and that of your passengers as well. You certainly don’t want your air conditioning system to go on the fritz on those days where it’s in the 90s or even higher, so it’s important to check your A/C system as well. Just test your system to make sure it’s blowing cold air if and when it should be, and bring it in for service if it’s not.
We also recommend replacing your cabin air filter if it’s been a while, as this can keep things like dust and pollen out of your interior, making sure the air you and your passengers breath is as clean as can be.
The Battery & Fluids
Much like with your tires, your battery is at just as much risk in extreme heat as it is in extreme cold. High temperatures can accelerate corrosion in your battery and even cause internal fluids to evaporate, which could leave you broken down on the side of the road when you least expect it. If your battery is three years or older, bring it in for a test to make sure it’s still operating as well as it needs to be.
While you’re under the hood, your fluids are just as important. You should check your oil, your brake fluid, and so on in addition to your coolant just to make sure they’re clean and topped off. We can do this as part of a comprehensive maintenance visit if you’re bringing your vehicle into the Jim Glover Chevrolet Service Department.
The Road Trip Readiness Kit
Lastly, if you’re prepping your vehicle for summer driving, road trip readiness is pretty key as well. If you’re planning a trip or two this summer, it’s important to have the necessities in your car and ready to go. Here are a few things to consider keeping in your vehicle so they’re there when you need them:
- A fully charged portable phone battery
- At least one gallon of water per person
- Non-perishable snacks
- A basic first-aid kit and a flashlight
- Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
Hopefully this guide helps you get your Chevy vehicle ready for all of your summer driving this year. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us here at the sales desk.