Common Summer Car Troubles
Keep Your Car Cool In the Maryland Summer Heat
Summertime in Maryland means road trips to Ocean City, Bar-B-Ques in Parkville and floating down the Gunpowder River. In order to get to these activities though, your vehicle needs to be working properly. Here are some tips to make sure your car is ready for the road for the entire summer!
1. Air Conditioning Issues
You don’t want to find out your vehicle’s A/C unit is broken when the temperature has hit six digits as you’re driving down Belair Road. Check to make sure the air blows cold in the spring before you need to rely on it. If not, visit your local service center for an A/C charge.
2. Engine Overheating
Engine Coolant is essential in hot, central Maryland summers. You may not notice your vehicle is low on coolant until it is especially hot out, so it is a good idea to make sure your vehicle’s engine coolant is topped off before the summer months. If your engine doesn’t have enough coolant on a hot day, it can melt down, leaving you stranded with a costly repair bill.
3. Check Your Tire Pressure
Your tires’ pressure fluctuates widely depending on the temperature outside. The difference in temperature from night to day can result in a change of 4+ psi. Make sure your tires are adequately filled to your manufacturer’s specifications before departing on a long trip. You don’t even need to consult the owner’s manual, the information you need should be printed on the inside of the driver’s door. While you are focused on your tires, it is also a good time to check their tread for wear. You never know when a quick Maryland thunderstorm will roll in, leaving the roads slick with oil. Bald tires have a higher chance of losing traction on slippery surfaces, so this is an issue you really want to prevent before it occurs.
4. The Cabin Is a Sauna
Summer is when you will regret choosing the black interior option, especially if your vehicle’s interior is upholstered in leather. If you have the option, park in a garage or under shade to keep your vehicle out of the hot sun. If this isn’t an option, we recommend investing in a windshield sunshade to prevent the majority of the sun’s rays from entering your vehicle and heating it up. Be sure to NEVER leave children or pets in a parked car, alone in the summer.
5. Be Prepared
Regardless of the season, your vehicle should always be equipped for emergency situations. Road flares, blankets, a flashlight and some non-perishable food items are good things to have stored away in your vehicle. In the summer, water is more essential than ever, and should be stored in your vehicle should you become stranded for a while in the heat.
6. Stay Alert
There’s always more traffic in the summertime, especially if you’re on your way to the beach via the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Wear sunglasses to reduce glare on a bright Maryland summer day, and don’t do anything that may distract you from the road, no matter how excited you and your passengers may be to reach your destination. You want to get there safe and sound.
Summer is the best time of the year to go on a road trip in Maryland. In order to have the best time on the road, make sure your vehicle is ready to handle the heat!
If you happen to incur some vehicular body damage during your travels, don’t hesitate to contact Jerry’s Collision Center to repair it! We are conveniently located off of exit 30B on the Baltimore Beltway, near Towson, Parkville and Perry Hall Maryland!