Common Summer Auto Repair Needs | Keller, TX

Photo By Dean Mitchell at isotck

As the cool weather fades and the summer approaches, it’s important to make sure your vehicle is ready for the change in temperature and driving conditions. The best way to do this is to take your vehicle to an auto repair shop for a tune up before summer. However, many people neglect having their vehicle tuned up before summer and end up dealing with an annoying car problem. If you want to keep your car running smoothly all summer, here are some of the most common summer car problems you can avoid by making sure your ride is ready for the Keller, TX, heat.

AIR CONDITIONING

Perhaps the most important thing to keep in working order during the summer is the air conditioning in your car. The truth of the matter is, a lack of AC won’t cause any problems for your vehicle’s engine, but it will leave you to deal with the sweltering heat on your own. Every time you bring your vehicle in for a tune up before summer, you should have an auto repair expert to inspect and clean your AC.

Many air conditioning problems are simply a result of not keeping various parts of the AC clean enough. The condenser and the fan are the two most important parts to keep clean, but you also need to have your vents cleaned regularly and have the cabin air filter replaced. This ensures you get the best air quality in your car and keeps your AC running well.

If you have a refrigerant leak or another big problem with your AC, you might need to have it replaced at an auto repair shop. A refrigerant leak can cause serious problems if you’re exposed to the refrigerant, so getting it fixed now is important.

BATTERY PROBLEMS

Every time you start your car, you’re relying on your battery to provide enough juice to get things up and running. While your car runs, the alternator is supposed to charge the battery so it has enough juice for the next start. If one or both of these parts isn’t working properly, it won’t be long before you end up stranded in a parking lot waiting for a jump.

The fluids in batteries can evaporate and cause problems during the summer, so it’s a good idea to have your battery inspected by an auto repair expert at least once each year. If you get your battery tested and it’s not putting out the right amount of power, buy a replacement battery now so you don’t end up regretting it later.

If you’ve had problems with the cheap batteries you’ve purchased in the past, ask an expert at your auto repair shop about the best brands and types of batteries. While some batteries are designed to be affordable and do the minimum required job, others are mad purely for performance and reliability. Ultimately, most people find it best to go for something in between.

LEAKS

While leaks aren’t exclusively a problem during the summer (or even a bigger problem), summer is the best time to keep an eye out for them. The first sign of a leak is usually a visible puddle where your car was parked. In some cases, you might drip fluid onto the road as you drive. The thing is, it’s hard to tell if you’ve left a puddle or a drip if the pavement is already wet. If you do notice a leak, take your car to an auto repair shop as soon as you get the chance.

The important thing to remember about leaks is that there are various parts of your car that can leak. If you do notice a puddle underneath your car or a drip when you park, make note of the color of the liquid so you know what you’re dealing with. Some leaks are much more serious than others.

OLD TIRES

When most people think about why it’s important to have good tires, they think about the slick winter roads. The truth of the matter is, it’s just as important to have a good set of tires when you’re on dry roads, particularly if you often drive on gravel.

Even if you aren’t preparing your car for the Keller, TX, summer, you should have an auto repair expert check your tires once every year or so. Tires generally need to be replaced after about 25,000 to 50,000 miles, but a lack of maintenance could cause them to wear down quicker.

Tire inspections are also a good way for an auto repair expert to spot cracks, punctures and other severe damage to your tires.

BAD BRAKES

No matter what time of year it is, you need a quality brake system on your car if you want to keep yourself and others safe. Since your brakes are responsible for stopping so much weight in such a short period of time, they tend to wear down and lose their effectiveness after a while.

How often you need to replace your brake pads depends on what type of brake pad you have and how you drive. In some cases, brake pads can last as long as 70,000 miles. However, most people need to have their brake pads changed every 25,000 to 50,000 miles. The easiest way to decide is to consult with an auto repair expert.

READY TO ROLL

There’s no better time than summer to get out on the road and enjoy the weather, but you need to make sure your vehicle is ready. The problem is, having maintenance and repairs done can be tough if you own a European car that many shops don’t work on.

Whether you own a Volkswagen, BMW or Audi, Import Car Center is the best place to take your car. Whether you need auto repairs or seasonal maintenance, we’ve got you covered. Call Import Car Center at (817) 481-5665 to find out more or schedule a service appointment today