Summer is finally here and we know you can’t wait to hit the road for some summer fun! But before you do that it is best to get your ride in tip-top shape to avoid any breakdowns, overheating, or any other repair that might cost you more than you were hoping. The best way to avoid any of the above is to regularly service your Volkswagen and give it some well deserved TLC! That’s why this week we have summer car care tips for you to help make sure you’ve checked off all the boxes! So if you’re a car owner that likes to roll up their sleeves and get a little dirty, you’ll like to hear that the below maintenances are all DIY friendly! If you’re too busy to do it yourself or just don’t know much about under the hood, no problem! Just head over to our site and schedule your service appointment now or stop in whenever works best for you!

1. Make sure your battery is prepared for high temperatures:

Just like freezing winter temperatures, the summer heat can have a negative effect on your car’s battery. Actually, the Summer heat can be more damaging to your car’s battery than winter temperatures. Heat and vibration are a battery’s worst enemy, leading to internal breakdown and eventual failure. But let’s face it we’re not mother nature we can’t control the heat outside, but we can control the vibration. By making sure your battery is properly mounted, you can help minimize any vibration. Another potential problem is corrosion build up from evaporated battery fluid. A way to help combat this is to frequently clean any corrosive buildup from the battery. If a battery is more than three years old, it’s a good idea to have it tested by a trained technician to determine how much longer it will last.

2. Keep your engine cool:

Cooling systems help keep the engine cool and should be flushed out periodically. Between flushes be sure that the coolant is filled to the proper levels by checking the overflow reservoir. If needed, fill the reservoir with 50/50 of water and the coolant recommended by the manufacturer. REALLY IMPORTANT! Never remove the radiator cap when the engine is still hot!! If this is the case, there is boiling coolant underneath and could cause serious burns!

3. Keep your tires properly inflated:

Driving around on under-inflated tires in the summer heat can lead to a greater risk of the tires overheating leading to a blowout, which is extremely dangerous for you and your passengers. It’s always a good idea to check your tire pressure (including the spare) at least once a month because tires typically lose about one pound of pressure per month through normal seepage. The best time to get an accurate reading when the tires are cool, so try early in the morning or later at night for the best reading! Not sure the recommended inflation pressure? No big deal, your owner’s manual will give all the information need to know!

4. Make sure fluids are at appropriate levels:

Most engine fluids lubricate and serve as a coolant by helping carry heat away from critical points. If these levels are low, the chances of these critical points getting hot are at a greater risk of overheating. Periodically check all vehicle fluids, including motor oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid and brake fluid, to ensure they are at appropriate levels.

5. Be prepared for summer breakdowns:

By having a well-stocked emergency kit which includes water, food, jumper cables, a flashlight with extra batteries, road flares, basic hand tools, and a first aid kit. And if you have AAA or roadside assistance make sure you have the proper numbers to call.

Summer is the season of having fun! You don’t want to derail that fun by breaking down or blowing out a tire on your road trip! Take the recommended steps to avoid having these issues, and be prepared in the case that it does happen.