How To Prep A Car For Each Season

A car gets used all times of year, but driving in different seasons requires different approaches. So, whether a Honda Civic in Los Angeles is dealing with summer heat or winter chill, taking a little time beforehand will ensure that a driver is prepared to take on any season. Here’s where to start.

Since it’s currently midst of summertime, let’s talk about how to make sure how to make a car summer-ready. For starters, before planning on making a long trip down to the beach, make sure that the car’s AC is working properly. If there is a problem, fixing it may be as simple as adding a little refrigerant. This can be easily purchased at any auto store. While on the same topic, take a look at air filters and regularly replace them. This both helps the AC and improves general air quality in a vehicle.

In addition, it may be a good idea to take a look under the hood as well. However, wait a few hours first since the car has been driven. A basic inspection will be pretty simple at this point. Things to look for include loose or cracked hoses, as well as warped rubber components like hoses and belts.

Winter may be quite a long way away, but it has a tendency to sneak up, and there’s a lot of different things that play a role in being prepared for conditions. The most important thing is just making sure that there is a general pack of winter supplies in the car at all times. This means that even in the case of trouble on the road, the driver can be safe. An ideal winter supply box is going to have items such as:

• a flashlight
• road flares
• a first-aid kit
• blankets
• warm clothes
• extra pairs of gloves
• a radio
• a charged cell phone
• a bag of sand
• an extra ice scraper

It’s also a good idea to check the tires, looking to see that they have generally good tread depth and pressure before things start to get cold. Good times will be what makes the difference between staying on the road and getting into an accident in inclement weather like snow and ice. The good news is that it’s easy to check and act on these things. Buy a basic tire gauge at any auto store, and check the manual’s specifications to see exactly how much air each type of tire needs. If air is needed, gas stations offer tire fill-ups, sometimes for free.

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