The warm summer months can present a variety of challenges for your vehicle. You can make sure your Dodge runs in top condition during the hot months of summer when you follow these important maintenance and care tips.
Keep It Clean
Not only does a clean and shiny vehicle look nice, but it also helps protect the paint job. Bird droppings, bug residue, tree sap, dirt, and grime can all eat through the protective layer of paint and increase the chances of rust and corrosion on your Dodge. Regularly washing and waxing your vehicle during the summer helps remove those impurities before they can ruin your paint. More importantly, getting rid of the grime that builds upon the windshield will make it easier to see.
Check Your Tire Pressure
Tires can gain and lose one pound per square inch (PSI) of pressure for every 10 degrees the temperature changes. This means if the morning starts out cool and then warms 20 degrees throughout the day, your tires could gain two PSI. If your tire pressure is too low, you can put added strain on the engine and decrease your fuel efficiency. If your tire pressure is too high, you’ll experience excessive tread wear in the middle of the tire. This is why it’s important to check your tire pressure at least once a week before you hit the road for the day.
Replace Your Wiper Blades
Summer rainstorms are a given, and the worst thing to happen during these downpours is discovering that your wiper blades aren’t working anymore. Windshield wipers that are in poor condition can leave streaks across the windshield that impact your vision. To make sure you can always see when you’re driving in the rain, get in the habit of inspecting your wiper blades. If you see any signs of cracking or tearing, it’s time to replace the blades.
Get a Sunshade
When you’re not driving, a sunshade can help protect the inside of your vehicle from the sun’s rays. Not only does a sunshade shield your seats and dashboard from damaging sunlight, but it can also help keep the inside of your Dodge cooler. In a study done by Florida Solar Energy Center, a sunshade helped to reduce a vehicle’s interior air temperature by around 15 degrees and reduced the dashboard temperature by 40 degrees.
Check the Coolant System
Keeping cool during those hot summer months is paramount for the health of your Dodge. In addition to checking the fluid levels in your coolant system, you should also inspect the condition of the hoses. When the engine is cool, inspect the hoses for any cracks and make sure you have a good connection at the joints. You can also squeeze the hoses to make sure they feel firm instead of soft or squishy.
You can handle the unique issues that come up during the summer and keep your Dodge safe and protected when you follow these important maintenance tips.
Image via Dodge.com
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