Summer Car Care Tips

MT. PLEASANT, Mich.– To say winters here in Michigan are hard on our vehicles is an intense understatement. What many Michiganders don't know is that summer can be JUST AS TOUGH on your vehicle as winter. Intense heat can destroy batteries, and put stress on the tires and cooling system. Thanks to the lowest summer gas prices since 2009, many Americans will be hitting the road this summer for vacation. By making sure your vehicle is running smoothly you can avoid breakdowns or car problems that will definitely put a thorn in your summer plans. To insure a safe trip you may want to check out these summer car care tips:

• The greatest cause of summer breakdowns is cooling system failure. The cooling system should be completely flushed out and refilled every two years. Be sure that you understand the level, condition and concentration of the coolant should also be checked periodically, especially when it first starts to warm up after the long winter. 

• Your brakes have been working hard all winter, make sure they're okay! Your brakes have kept you from sliding off the road since January, so make sure they are up to par before you head out this summer. If you notice pulsations, grabbing noises or longer stopping distances, bring your vehicle to a certified technician ASAP. 

• Maintain and check up on your air conditioning. Nothing, and we mean NOTHING, is worse than the air conditioning going out in the middle of the summer. Driving around in a car when it's 80+ degrees out is hard enough on your vehicle. Take out the air conditioning and good luck trying to go anywhere fast. Even a marginally operating system will fail in the hot weather, so have your air conditioning checked out by a qualified technician. 

• Check your windshield wipers. Your windshield wipers have been working overtime since January. A dirty windshield causes eye fatigue and can also pose a safety hazard. Replace worn windshield wiper blades and have plenty of windshield wiper fluid handy. 

• Heat zaps life away from your battery.  Many car owners believe that battery problems only occur in the winter, which could not be further from the truth. Heat and vibration are the two WORST things for a car battery, and ultimately lead to engine failure. If your car's battery is more than three years old, have it checked by a certified technician before heading out on the road. 

By making sure you vehicle is good to hit the road, you can avoid any awkward waiting-on-the-side-of-the-road-for-a-tow-truck events. If you would like to schedule a service appointment with any of our certified technicians, feel free! We would love to check out your car to make sure it's safe and ready to hit the open road. Schedule an appointment online today! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.com 

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