The cold winter days and rainy spring days are finally over, and it’s time to drive around with the windows down and music up. It’s summer time! Have you made sure your car is in tip top shape for summer cruises?

Clean Out

If you live anywhere near New England, chances are it’s been a rough winter followed by a rainy spring. It is either time to hit the carwash or break out a sponge & bucket to get your car sparkling for the summer! The floors of your car are probably stained white with sidewalk salt, topped with mud from weeks of rain. If you have kids riding in the back, this mess might have even spread to the back of your front seats. You can easily vacuum this away for just the price of quarters at most gas stations, or you might want to go for a deeper cleaning with a professional detail service – Make sure it includes a carpet shampoo!

Before you start actually cleaning, you might have a few items to store away for the summer. You won’t need your snow boots, extra layers, and whatever else is taking up room in your trunk or backseat. It’s time to make room for beach chairs!

Check Your Tires

Tires can get worn faster when driving through snow or ice. If you have slid around in the snow or rain recently, it might either be time for new tires or an alignment. You can also take the simple precaution of checking your car’s tire pressure, as low pressure can increase the chance of blowing a tire. Don’t forget to check your spare tire too!

Check Your Brakes

Summer can be primetime for stop and go traffic, especially if you are headed to a popular roadtrip vacation destination. You will want to make sure that your brakes don’t fail you. If they are making any type of noise or requiring added pressure, they need professional inspection.

Keep Your Engine Cool

Summer heat can make a risky engine situation much worse – Avoid the risk and make sure your engine is cooling properly before it heats up this summer. This includes checking the fluid levels, which have lubricating and coolant properties. Important fluids to check are your car’s break fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid.

Prepare for a Breakdown

Even when your car is brand new, you should always be prepared for a breakdown just in case. Essential items include a flashlight, jumper cables, and a warning sign to alert other drivers. Be aware of your surroundings at all times when driving so that you can specifically describe your location to a friend or tow service.