Summer can be especially tough on your vehicle – don’t forget to care for it while enjoying the sunshine.

We spend a lot of time in our vehicles in the summer. Whether you travel, picnic, spend days at the beach, or just love a summer drive or shopping trip, your car can get a bit neglected during all that coming and going – especially if you add kids or pets to the mix! Most of us at least make an effort to get to the car wash every so often, but summer is a great time to really show your vehicle some love, in the form of a good cleaning and maintenance check up, with the added bonus of just relaxing and enjoying the fresh air while you do. Here are a few tips to get you started:

Under the hood: There are a couple of things you should be especially careful of during the summer as far as keeping your vehicle in good running order.

• Battery – Summer heat can damage your battery by causing the water within battery fluid to evaporate. Additionally, higher temperatures outside added to the heat your engine creates can speed up corrosion. First, check your owner’s manual to become familiar with your battery and what you can do to care for it. Then, take a look at it, and if you notice any corrosion, or dirt or debris, detach the battery cables. Clean the terminals and cables by scrubbing with a brush and some baking soda and water. Lastly, allow to dry before reattaching the cables. Easy! You can also opt to have your mechanic clean and check your battery for you.  
• Cooling System – Your cooling system is responsible for keeping your engine cool and is a critical component to preventing damage from overheating. Be sure to check the levels periodically. The system should be filled with a correct mixture of antifreeze and water (usually 50 / 50) and flushed about every 2 years, or 24,000 miles. Clean your radiator by hosing it off and using a brush to remove any dirt and debris.
• Air filter – The air filter keeps the air inside your vehicle fresh and helps to clean pollen and mold spores, so be sure it’s functioning properly.
• Wipers – Often, we tend to ignore our wipers until we notice a problem, but while you are tending to the other needs of your vehicle, take a look and make sure your wipers are all in good condition. Fill your windshield washer fluid – summer brings heavy rains, birds, and bugs and you’ll be glad everything is ready when you need it!
• Tires – Excess travel and heat take a toll on your tires. Check the tire pressure and tread monthly, and have tires rotated about every 6 months.

Exterior Cleaning: Whether you hit the car wash, or grab the hose and bucket, give the car a good scrub – it won’t just look nice, it will protect your paint too.

• Pick a shady spot to help prevent soap or water drying too quickly and leaving spots.
• Start at the top of your vehicle, rinsing with just water, to remove any material that may scratch the paint. 
• Wash with soap and a soft cloth or sponge, and work your way down the vehicle, remembering to get the lights and license plate too, before finishing with the tires.
• Washing weekly and polishing (for newer vehicles) or waxing (for older or faded vehicles) every 6 months helps protect from damage caused by sun, salt, dirt, etc.

Interior Cleaning – Keeping your vehicle clean and clutter free will make every trip a more enjoyable one, and help maintain resale value as well.

• First, remove all the “stuff” you’ve probably accumulated but really isn’t necessary (summer fun gear / clothing, toys, etc.) Doing this first makes cleaning easier.
• Pull out the floor mats, and shake them out, or give them a wash and place in the sun to dry.
• Wipe down the dash, steering wheel, and other hard surfaces with antibacterial wipes or disinfectant.
• Clean the windows with newspaper and window cleaner.
• Vaccuum the carpets and upholstery.
• Check your emergency  / first aid kit, to be sure nothing is missing or needs to be replaced. A flashlight and fresh batteries are a must.
• If you don’t have one already, invest in a sunshade to protect your car’s interior from fading, as well as keeping it cooler. You’ll be more comfortable and your car’s a/c won’t need to strain as hard.