In this first post, of a two post series, we'll share 5 of David's 10 tips for summer car maintenance to help avoid expensive auto repair in Carrollton TX:

10. CHECK YOUR TIRES

An under-inflated, over-inflated, worn down or misaligned tire can be extremely dangerous in hot summer weather. Tire pressure changes with rising temperatures – about one to two pounds per square inch (PSI) for every 10 degree increase in temperature according to the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA). You can check your tire pressure with a hand pressure gauge, or bring it into a shop that specializes in Auto Repair in Carrollton TX to have them check it for you.

Making sure that your tires are inflated to the correct pressure will help lessen the risk of a blow-out or your vehicle hydroplaning in wet road conditions.

Check your car’s tires regularly to be sure you have sufficient tread. Grasp a penny between your thumb and forefinger holding at Lincoln's body, not his head. Choose a point in the tread that appears to be lowest and place the penny, head side into the tread. If any part of Abe's head is concealed your tires are fine. If not, your treads are too worn and you should replace your tires. At Christian Brothers Automotive, your Auto Repair Carrollton TX shop we can check to make sure your tires are correctly balanced and aligned.

9. CHANGE THE OIL AND OIL FILTER

David Roos calls oil the life-blood of your car, keeping the engine parts running smooth, clean and cool. Typical owner's manuals suggest changing the oil and filter every 7,500 miles, although many specialists that complete auto repair in Carrollton, TX suggest every 3,000 miles or 3 months. The engine is more likely to overheat with heavy summer driving, so it's suggested to at least check your oil before heading out on that summer road trip.

8. DE-WINTERIZE YOUR CAR

The changing of seasons is the perfect time to check all of your vehicles fluid levels including transmission, power steering, brake and differential fluid and coolant. If your car has been in storage over the winter or hasn't been driven much the battery may need to be recharged or replaced.

A rainy winter can cause your vehicle to accumulate lots of dirt under the carriage. It's important to give your car a good under-carriage wash at the changing of seasons because a dirty under-carriage will cause your transmission and engine to run hotter.

7. CHECK HOSES AND BELTS

To keep your car running in the heat of the summer the engine must be kept cool. In his How Stuff Works article, David Roos explains, the hoses connected to the radiator help pump coolant to and from the engine block, and the belts run the fan that helps cool the system further. If the hoses crack or the belts snap, the radiator will quickly overheat, leaving you stranded.

If you check yourself, be sure that hoses are firm and have no cracks, leaks or loose connections. If you're not comfortable checking yourself, come to our auto repair shop near Carrollton, TX and we will check it out for you.

6. CHANGE THE AIR FILTER

Over time, a car's air filter can get clogged, resulting in lower fuel efficiency. A clogged air filter can really lower your fuel efficiency. The Car Care Council reports that changing a dirty air filter can improve gas mileage by up to 14 percent.

When is it time to change your air filter? Most manufacturers recommend changing every 12,000 miles. Of course if you do a lot of driving on gravel or dirt roads your air filter is going to need to be replaced more frequently than one used strictly for highway driving. The only way to know for sure is to take it out and inspect it, or take it to the shop where you have your auto repaired in Carrollton TX to have them look at it for you.

That's it for today’s Top Car Summer Maintenance Tips. Tune in next time as we share David Roos' final Top Car Summer Maintenance Tips.

At Christian Brothers Automotive in North Dallas TX, we want to earn your trust to perform all your auto repair in Carrollton TX. We always ask your permission before performing any services on your car, and you don’t have to worry about paying for things that don’t need repair.

We want you and your family to be safe on your vacation trips, on your way to the grocery store and to school or work every day. An expertly-trained, experienced, ASE certified auto mechanic will treat your car as if it was his own. Trust Christian Brothers Automotive in North Dallas TX to keep your car ready for all your family’s needs.

Auto Repair in Carrollton, TX

Christian Brothers Automotive

19020 Midway Road

Dallas, TX 75287

(469) 208-3896

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