Oklahoma summers are hot! With temperatures reaching triple digits for days (or even weeks) in a row, it is essential that your vehicle is protected against the heat to ensure that it stays in good working order.
Essential Fluids
Engine Oil
Most vehicles require that you get your oil changed every 3,000 miles. This ensures that the engine is properly lubricated, prolonging its life and helping the vehicle not to overheat.
Integrity offers our customers discounted oil changes throughout the life of the loan. We use Mobil 100% synthetic oil, and we also check all your belts, fluids, tires, and all your lights.
Coolant System
If your coolant isn’t topped off, your car could overheat and cause catastrophic, expensive damage to a multitude of essential engine components. Your vehicle’s coolant is a mixture of antifreeze – usually ethylene or propylene glycol – and water, and it’s stored in the radiator. This one is a cinch to check and maintain yourself (and Integrity also performs it every time we perform an oil change). Make sure your vehicle’s coolant is at the proper level, and check the hoses for any cracks, leaks, or other signs of weakness – especially around the connection points.
Other Essential Fluids
Additionally, your car’s other essential fluids should also be checked regularly, all year long.
This includes:
- Transmission Fluid
- Power-Steering Fluid
- Brake Fluid
- Air Conditioning Fluid
- Washer Fluid
It’s also important to note how your car feels. Do the brakes feel right, or are they starting to grind? More maintenance may be required to keep a safe and properly-operational vehicle, but a good rule of thumb is to start with the fluids. For more in-depth information on the topic, check out our blog on Essential Fluids.
Air Conditioning
You do not want to be driving without air conditioning in Oklahoma during the summer. If your AC unit has issues, get them fixed now. Putting it off will only lead to your extreme discomfort, and it may even damage your vehicle.
Over-cranking your AC to cool down a hot cabin can be hard on your vehicle, and it also negatively affects your fuel economy. Keep it running low and steady.
As summer approaches, be sure to check and maintain each of these systems to ensure the health of your vehicle and your safety while driving it.
Sunshade
It’s no surprise that your vehicle can turn into a real oven in a matter of minutes when parked outside in the summer months. Luckily, there’s an inexpensive, effective solution. Reduce your vehicle’s interior temperature by several degrees by employing a sunshade when parking outside for any extended period during daylight. Your car and your passengers will thank you.
Keep a Clean Vehicle
If you don’t keep a clean vehicle, you should. But don’t worry, a cluttered, unwashed car can happen to any of us.
Give your car a good, thorough wash and exterior cleaning going into the summer. Decomposing leaves may be clogging up drainage points, windshield-washer nozzles, or the air filter – especially if you park your car outside overnight. Frequent washes will also help avoid any rust and comparable long-term issues.
Make sure the cabin is clean, too. You don’t want dropped food or spills rotting in the summer heat, which could cause pricey damage to your upholstery or leather.
Take the time to protect your vehicle against the Oklahoma summer as the temperature continues to hit triple digits. Your vehicle and passengers will thank you for the extra effort!
![The Importance of Preventative Maintenance [video]](https://www.integrityautofinance.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/importance-regular-maintenance-2022-450x189.jpg)
