“With summer’s pending arrival, it’s important to remember that all cars and trucks need to be checked and prepped to help weather the higher temperatures, so here’s the top 5 ways you can help your vehicle beat the heat,” announced Luis Nieves, CEO of Trustmark Warranty. www.TrustmarkWarranty.com
1. Make sure your air conditioning is ready to go.
We all know the awful feeling of getting into a car that has been sitting out in the hot sun. Get your A/C system inspected and serviced, checking for damaged belts, coolant levels, and electrical systems before the warm weather hits. It’s also recommended to run your air conditioning for a few minutes to make sure everything is working properly and to clear out any lingering odors from a lack of use during the winter season.
2. Switch out old winter tires for summer tires.
While winter tires provide much better traction on snowy and icy roads, switching to summer tires allows for better fuel efficiency, more speed, and improved dry road handling. If instead you opt for all-weather tires year-round, be sure to check your tire pressure on a hot day. Warmer temperatures make the air inside your tire expand, which can lead to uneven wear that can shorten their lifespan. And since tires are expensive, switching out your winter tires and adjusting air pressure on your year-round tires are quick and easy ways to ensure their longevity, while maximizing the mileage per gallon.
3. Check under the hood.
The level of liquid in your cooling system should be at least half full, so be sure to add coolant if needed. Don’t forget to also check your radiator and hoses for leaks and cracks to avoid overheating. If your car does overheat, pull over and shut off your vehicle immediately. If it is unsafe to immediately pull over, turn your heat on as hot as it will go with the blower fan blasting as much as possible. While it will be temporarily uncomfortable, pulling the hot air off the engine until you can pull over, is well worth it.
4. Protect the interior.
You need to wear shades during the glaring summer months, and your car could use one too! Investing in a sun shade for your windshield will not only help minimize getting burned by your leather or vinyl interior, it can also prevent it from drying and cracking.
5. Clean the exterior.
Harsh winter weather conditions cause dulling salt and dirt to accumulate on your car. So show your car some love and get it cleaned and waxed. You can enjoy the summer months tooling around in a well-maintained and shiny car!
Find out more about how to get comprehensive vehicle repair protection and how little it costs by exploring www.TrustmarkWarranty.com.
About Trustmark Warranty
Trustmark Warranty is a tech-based, direct-to-consumer provider of Vehicle Service Contracts for private owners of used cars. Trustmark Warranty maintains an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau and their vehicle service contracts are available in 12 to 48-month terms. Trustmark Vehicle Service Contracts provide industry-leading coverage and are guaranteed by an A-rated insurance company with $32 billion in assets. The Administrator has been in business for more than 25 years and has paid out more than $650 million in claims. For more information, visit www.trustmarkwarranty.com.