Car Care During Summer

Summer is hot and there is so much to do. The kids are home, the fields are green, and everyone has a very busy schedule. It’s so hard to fit everything in. Is routine car care on your list of things to do? Next time you check your car or take it to your local Co-op Car Care Center, make sure these things get checked to ensure you care is in its best shape to keep you and your family safe.
 

1. Oil

Cars today can run out of gas without much issue, but they cannot run out of oil without severe consequences. Start good habits this summer by getting your car on an oil change schedule. Experts recommend changing your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles for conventional oils and 7,000 – 8,000 miles for synthetic oils. Make sure you’re using the right oil for your car and that the oil stays at the proper level.
 

2. Coolant

Hot, humid, Tennessee weather is almost unbearable without air conditioning, so why leave your car without coolant? Your car’s radiator keeps it cool, but it needs coolant to lubricate and protect your water pump against corrosion. Haven’t checked or changed your coolant in a while? You can check it with an antifreeze tester, or take your car to your local Co-op Car Center.
 

3. Tires

Tires keep traction with the road through tread. Low tire tread can be a danger during wet and slippery roads as well as make the ride less than ideal. For most vehicles, the penny trick works. Place a penny in the treads of your tire with the head down. Good tires will always cover part of Lincoln’s head. Poor tires, that probably need to be replaced, will show the top of Lincoln’s head.
 
These are just a couple part of your car that need to be examined during summer. Don’t let car care be a thing that slips your to-do list this summer. Turn to your local Co-op for help and advice when it comes to caring for your car’s oil, tires, and more. Safe driving!