Car Buying Tip-Summer Service

There are a few things you should service during hot summer months. Of course have your oil changed every 3000 miles, but every other oil change, rotate your tires. This will keep the tread wearing even and avoid tires on the front wearing quicker than the back. Check the tread by turning a penny with Lincoln head down and placing upright inside tread. The head should be covered to some degree. If you can see the entire head of Lincoln, it is time for new tires.

Belts and Hoses should be checked or changed during summer months. The last thing you want to do is get stuck on the side of the road with a broken belt. Not only will it be hard to change on the side of the road, but an inconvenience for someone to come pick you up. Who wants to be stuck on the side of the road in the winter? Or summer as far as that goes. Keep your belts and hoses from breaking or leaking.

Battery should be checked in the summer time. Winter is very hard on batteries as you need the cold cranking amps to just start your car. The battery will tell the life on top. When you buy a battery, they will mark it to where you can tell when it is time to change. I would recommend every 2-3 years probably, although most will last 4-6 years.

Alternator should be checked in the summer to make sure it will be strong enough to keep your battery charged. The Alternator is an integral part of your car. If the alternator goes out, it will drain your battery and will probably ruin your battery. The alternator keeps your battery charged when you are driving and when it goes out, your battery is no longer charged and is just a matter of time before it is gone. You will always know when the alternator goes out because your car and lighting will start acting crazy when you are driving. If you have had one go out, you know what I mean.

This is just a few things you can check, but you can always take your car to a mechanic to get a proper check on your car to make sure you do not get stranded. Most Mechanics know the things to look for that may cause you a problem.