Get your car in shape before hitting the highway this summer! We can help. Aamco Transmissions of Southern California

Although winter typically gets all of the attention when it comes to preparing your car for a change of seasons, summer’s heat can be just as hard on a vehicle as below-freezing temperatures. Before the sun-bleached highway starts calling your name, taking a few minutes to look over your car’s vital components will help ensure a summer of worry-free driving.


Check your coolant level.
Protect your engine from the summer heat.

Most people know the green stuff in your radiator keeps your engine from turning into a block of ice in the winter, but did you know that it also helps keep things cool in the summer? All too often people are driving around with just water in their radiator because they think they don’t need the green stuff until it gets cold. Radiator coolant actually raises the boiling point of the water, allowing it to carry more heat away from the engine, and that means cooler running.

It only takes a second to check your coolant level. Most cars these days have an opaque coolant overflow tank right next to the radiator. It's white plastic, but you can see inside to see if there's enough juice to keep things safe. You'll also see markings on the side telling you the low and high levels to work with. Always check your coolant level when the car is cold.

If you need to add coolant or notice that the level is consistently low, be sure to consult your AAMCO car care specialist.


Check your motor oil.
Enjoy those summer road trips for years to come.

Checking your car's oil level is the single most important thing you can do to extend the life of your car's engine and only takes a few minutes. Maintaining the proper level of oil will also increase your gas mileage, allowing you to drive more and spend less.

While making sure your car is parked on level ground, locate the dipstick – a long rod that goes deep into your engine to check the oil level. It's usually easy to get to, and should have a colored handle. Most also say OIL on them. Pull the dipstick out and wipe the end clean with a towel or rag. Re-insert the dipstick into the engine, making sure it goes all the way in. Now pull it out, but don't turn it upside down to look at it, this makes the oil run upward and ruins your reading. The dipstick will have two marks at the bottom. They are usually either lines or holes in the stick. The oil level can be read by looking to see where the oily part ends and the dry part begins. If it's between the two marks, you're good to go. If it's below the bottom mark, you need to add oil.

If your car’s oil is dirty or dark, schedule an oil change before you hit the road for any serious driving.


Check your tire pressure and tread depth.
Avoid early tire wear, blowouts and bad fuel economy.

Maintaining correct tire pressure is important for safety as well as gas mileage, and proper tread depth is necessary for traction. Incorrect tire pressure can cause a driver to lose control of a vehicle as can too little tread.

Before hitting the road, take a moment to examine all four tires for uneven or excessive wear as well as proper inflation according to the guide inside your driver’s side door. Don’t forget your spare! Most people assume their spare is fine only to find it deflated when they need it the most. Be sure you know where to look for your spare tire and where the changing tools are kept.

Use the penny trick to check your tire tread. Simply insert the top of Lincoln’s head into one of the tire tread grooves and if any part of his head is obscured by the tread, you’re all set. However, if you can see Lincoln’s head in its entirety then you’re read for a new tire.

Irregular or uneven tire wear can be indications of bad struts, improperly balanced wheels or other safety concerns. If you have any questions, talk to your AAMCO car care specialist.


Replace worn or cracked windshield wiper blades.
There's one time we always remember to change our wipers - when it starts to rain.

Replace your windshield wiper blades if they are too worn to work well; you don’t want to be caught with blurred vision in the middle of a thunderstorm. While you are at it, top off your windshield washer fluid to keep your view clear of dirt, road dust – and summer’s traveling insects.


Jump start your car’s air conditioning system.
Enjoy easy access to cooler temperatures while you’re behind the wheel.

Think you can do without A/C, speeding down the asphalt with windows down and hair whipping around? You might want to think again: Driving at highway speeds with the windows down increases your car’s wind resistance enough that you’ll actually burn more gas than if you were running the A/C … so not only will you have a clammy shirt, but an emptier wallet, too.

Prepare for warm weather driving by taking a preventative approach to potential issues that may have developed over time like warmer air blowing out of your vents or weak airflow. Don’t wait to fix small problems as they often lead to more expensive repairs in the future. With summer barreling down upon us, be ready to hit the road cool and calm under the sun!

Do you feel your car’s air conditioning has lost its cool? Come in and speak with one of our AAMCO car care specialists!

Have your car battery checked, especially if you live in warmer climates.
Summer’s hot weather can reduce your car’s battery life.

The same warm temperatures that you enjoy so much are your battery's worst enemy. Unlike cold weather where a battery may begin to show signs of weakness, in hot weather you may not have any warning that your battery is about to fail.

Hot weather combined with smaller, cramped engine compartments creates high under-hood temperatures. This causes accelerated degradation and corrosion of battery components - resulting in reduced battery life.

To be on the safe side, you should get your battery tested. Better yet, if your battery is more than 3 years old or you live in a hot climate, you may want to consider replacing it. A brand new battery can see you through the hottest of summers. Be prepared before you head out on a summer road trip.

If you feel your battery is unreliable or you haven’t changed it in a while, have your AAMCO car care specialist test it for you.

Get your car a check up and tune up.

Why not pass our summer checklist with flying colors by taking advantage of our 10% off any maintenance service? Enjoy your summer travels without having to worry about the ride.