Getting Your Car Ready for Florida Summer

Now that summer is officially in full swing here in The Sunshine State, it's time to make sure your vehicle is ready for the hot weather! Make sure your car is operating safely and smoothly with these 9 summer car tips:

1. Make Sure Your A/C Is Good To Go

Priority one should be making sure your car's air conditioning is working properly. Any Floridian will tell you that jumping into a parked car that's been sitting under the sun on a hot summer's day is absolutely excruciating. Nothing's worse than getting into a scorching vehicle and not having any A/C to cool you off! Avoid this situation from ever happening to you by having one of the professional mechanics at your local Mavis Tires & Brakes Tire location take a look at your car's air conditioning system. We'll ensure everything is good to go and that your A/C has been recharged so that you're always comfortable when you're on the road.

2. Check Your Wiper Blades & Wiper Fluid

Florida is famous for its random rain showers and thunderstorms that like to appear seemingly out of nowhere in the middle of the day. Don't get caught with wipers that streak, skip, or squeak while you're out on the road. If you need new wipers then we're happy to set you up with a pair that is right for your budget before topping off your wiper fluid and then sending you on your way,

3. Check Your Coolant

The hotter the weather is the more prone your car is to overheat. In order to help prevent this, you need to make sure your vehicle's coolant level is always where it needs to be. If you haven't yet changed your coolant yet this year, we recommend you go ahead and schedule an appointment to have that done ASAP to ensure maximum performance and prevent your car from overheating and costing you even more money in expensive repairs.

4. Have Your Oil Changed

Frequent oil changes are a relatively easy way to not only prolong the life of your vehicle but also to maintain your engine's performance. The general rule of thumb is to have your oil changed every 3,000 – 5,000 miles, but this number can vary based on things like the make and model of the vehicle as well as the brand, weight, and type of oil used.

5. Make Sure Your Tires & Tread Are In Good Condition

Bald tires are not safe tires. If you've neglected to check your tires all winter and spring, it's time to make sure you still have enough tread to last you through the summer. An easy way to do so is to take a look at your tires to see if they have tread indicators/wear bars. If your tread is flush with the bar, it's time for new tires. Another method is to take a penny and insert it headfirst into your tread. If President Lincoln's head disappears when you look at the tire and penny straight on, then you're okay. If you can see Lincoln's entire head then it's time to shop for new tires!

6. Take A Quick Look At Your Brake Fluid

Checking your brake fluid level is super easy and takes almost no time at all. With your hood open, you can find your car's brake fluid stored in a translucent reservoir close to your car's windshield. Simply make sure that this fluid is clear and free of debris or buildup and that it reaches the "FULL" mark. If the fluid is dirty, dark, or below the fill line, then let us take care of things. Brake fluid is very toxic, so it's best to let our professional mechanics refill your brake fluid for you if this is ever needed.

7. Visually Inspect Your Battery

It's a good idea to frequently check your car battery and terminals to make sure they're free of corrosion. If you happen to spot small amounts of corrosion forming on your battery, you can clean it off yourself with baking soda and an old toothbrush.

8. Clean Your Car's Exterior & Interior

Declutter your vehicle's interior, have it vacuumed and detailed, and then give it a good old-fashioned hand-washing. You'll be glad you did! There's something satisfying about riding in a vehicle that is clean on both the inside and outside.

9. Schedule Maintenance With Mavis Tires & Brakes

Preventative maintenance is a broad term that encompasses everything from tire rotations and alignments to inspections and tune-ups. Proper maintenance ensures your vehicle stays running safely and smoothly for a longer period of time

Schedule your appointment at the Mavis Tires & Brakes closest to you to see why communities throughout Central Florida trust us to take care of all their summer auto repair and maintenance needs.