Summer is the season of road trips, beach outings, and long drives with the windows down. But as temperatures rise, your car faces a unique set of challenges—from overheating engines to worn-out tires and drained batteries. To keep your car running smoothly (and safely), here are our top tips for summer driving and maintenance.

1. Check Your Cooling System First

Your engine works harder in the heat, making the cooling system your car’s first line of defense against overheating.

What to do:

• Check your coolant level regularly and top it off if necessary.

• Inspect hoses and belts for cracks, leaks, or soft spots.

• Flush and replace the coolant every 2–3 years, or as recommended in your owner’s manual.

🧪 Recommended product:

Prestone Antifreeze + Coolant – a trusted brand compatible with most vehicles.

2. Keep an Eye on Your Battery

High temps can cause battery fluid to evaporate, which may lead to corrosion or a dead battery when you least expect it.

Tips to extend battery life:

• Check for corrosion on terminals and clean them with a wire brush.

• Make sure the battery is securely mounted to avoid vibration damage.

• Test the battery voltage every month if it’s older than 3 years.

🔧 Handy tool:

Topdon Car Battery Tester – easily check your battery’s health before hitting the road.

3. Maintain Proper Tire Pressure

Hot pavement can magnify issues with underinflated or overinflated tires, leading to blowouts or uneven tread wear.

Here’s what to do:

• Check tire pressure once a month—especially before long drives.

• Inflate tires to the pressure listed in your car’s manual or on the driver’s side door jamb.

• Don’t forget to inspect your spare tire too.

🛞 Recommended gadget:

AstroAI Digital Tire Pressure Gauge – compact and accurate.

4. Protect Your Car’s Exterior (and Interior)

Sunlight can fade your paint job and crack your dashboard. Take steps to shield your car from UV damage.

Summer protection checklist:

Park in the shade or use a reflective windshield sunshade.

• Apply a UV protectant on the dashboard and seats.

• Wash and wax your car every few weeks to protect the paint.

🧴 Helpful products:

• Meguiar’s Quik Interior Detailer – protects and cleans in one step.

5. Test Your Air Conditioning System

There’s nothing worse than getting stuck in traffic with a broken A/C in 95°F heat.

Quick steps:

• Run the A/C and see if it’s blowing cold enough.

• If airflow is weak, replace the cabin air filter.

• If it’s blowing warm air, consider a recharge kit or schedule a mechanic inspection.

❄️ DIY product pick:

AC Pro Recharge Kits – comes with a pressure gauge and easy instructions.

6. Prep for Summer Road Trips

Planning a getaway? A little prep goes a long way.

Road trip checklist:

• Top off windshield washer fluid (bug season is here!).

• Pack an emergency kit with jumper cables, water, snacks, flashlight, and a first-aid kit.

• Download offline maps and a roadside assistance app.

🚨 Popular item:

AAA Executive Roadside Emergency Kit – includes all the necessities in a compact bag.

7. Drive Smart in Summer Heat

Hot weather affects both your car and your driving habits.

Stay safe by:

• Avoiding aggressive driving that heats up your engine.

• Watching for overheating signs (temperature light, steam, etc.).

• Taking frequent breaks on long drives to rest and cool down.

☀️ Final Thoughts

Summer driving can be one of life’s greatest joys—but only if your car is in top shape. With just a bit of proactive maintenance and the right tools, you can avoid breakdowns and keep cool on the road. Whether you’re commuting to work or planning a cross-country adventure, following these tips will help you and your vehicle thrive in the heat.