Hot temperatures, sticky humidity and long drives can be tough on your car. Be prepared for the season by using this checklist of how to prepare your vehicle for safe summer driving. 

Check tire pressure and condition: Underinflated tires are more prone to blowouts and poor handling and wear.  The same goes for worn tires. 
Check fluids such as coolant and oil: As they reach end of life, performance suffers and can result in breakdowns. 
Make sure your air conditioner is working properly: The last thing you want is a car full of people and a sudden loss of air conditioning. 
Pack extra summer washer fluid: Summer drives often come with lots of bugs, so have extra on hand to ensure your windshield is always clear. 
Stock up your emergency kit: At a minimum, a good summer kit should include food and water in case of breakdown, flares, gloves in case you have to change a tire, and an extra battery pack for cell phones. 
 

SUMMER VEHICLE CARE 

CAA recommends regular vehicle maintenance to help handle the harsh summer heat. Use these tips to help prevent your vehicle from getting scorched.  

Fluids – Flush your antifreeze before it becomes acidic and causes damage. Change your engine oil regularly to reduce accelerated wear due to heat. 
Battery – Check your car battery and keep the connections clean to prevent discharge. During the sizzling summer months, your car battery can lose its charge 30 per cent faster than in the frigid winter weather. 
Tires – Inflate your tires properly, as heat causes tires to expand and overinflated tires can cause uneven tire wear or even a blowout. Avoid the use of acid-base tire cleaners as they can cause rubber to crack. 
Interior and Cabin – Park in the shade to avoid the sun’s rays and use a sunshade across the dashboard to protect your car’s interior. When the temperature reaches 30° C outside, the inside of your vehicle can feel like 50° C. Be sure to also inspect and replace air filters as they may become clogged with dirt, debris and dust. 
Wiper Blades and Exterior Body – Replace cracked or torn windshield wipers and stock up on washer fluid to maximize your visibility. Washing your vehicle regularly will also prevent damage from dead bugs, tree sap and bird droppings.  
 

CAA is encouraging motorists to have their battery tested by a professional before hitting the road this summer to avoid an unexpected battery failure. 

Even with good care and maintenance, the life of a car battery is only 3 to 5 years. Many drivers think winter is the peak season for car battery trouble, but hot weather shortens the life of your battery more than cold.  
Winter wear and tear mixed with the extreme heat of summer can wreak havoc on your vehicle battery. That’s why it’s important to get your battery tested now and take the proper precautions to protect it from increasing temperatures.  
A car battery can lose its charge 33 per cent faster in extreme heat compared to the frigid winter, draining the power necessary to start the car. 

As the temperature outside your vehicle increases, so does the temperature under the hood. During an average 32° Celsius day, temperatures in your vehicle can exceed over 60° Celsius. 
High heat can lead to structural damage, corrosion and the breakdown of the charging system. 
Keeping your vehicle as cool as possible is a great way to extend its lifespan. If you can’t park in a garage, consider a carport or car canopy. Window covers are a great way to keep the heat from building up inside your cabin, too. 
Watch out for things like a bulging case and blue-ish crystals around the terminals. Both are signs that your battery is on its way out and should be replaced. 
The electronics on modern cars draw power from your battery, even when your engine is off. Get a trickle charger if your vehicle is going to be idle for longer periods of time to supply your battery with a steady charge, keeping it in tip-top shape. 
If you are a CAA member you can call CAA’s mobile Battery Service at *222 and a trained CAA Battery Service Representative will come to you to test, replace and dispose of your old battery.