Winter driving, with its cold temperatures, excessive sand and salt, and frequent freeze-thaw cycles, increases corrosion, takes a toll on your engine, and wears down parts. Plus, some parts and fluids are manufactured for summer or winter weather.

A summer service inspects for any damage, includes preventive measures, and replaces fluids. A service technician may also recommend replacing winter-suitable parts with ones designed for the heat of summer weather.

Here’s what’s included in a summer maintenance service at NAPA AUTOPRO:

Lube, Oil, and Filter

Your certified technician will drain your engine oil and replace the filter.

Engine oil helps lubricate all the moving metal parts inside the engine, reducing friction and grinding. However, over time, oil breaks down and accumulates contaminants.

The high ambient temperatures of summer raise the operating temperature of your engine. Add highway driving, towing, or hauling, and your engine oil is under even more stress. New oil with the right viscosity for hot weather ensures your vehicle can handle the extra demands of summer. A fresh oil filter will also trap contaminants, help your oil stay cleaner for longer, and contribute to improved fuel efficiency.

During this step, your technician will also apply lubricant to the chassis, suspension, and steering components. These parts have joints and pivot points that need extra lubrication to move freely. After a winter of salt, moisture, and freeze-thaw cycles, this service helps prevent seizing and premature wear.

Multi-Point Visual Inspection

A multi-point inspection is a structured process where a certified technician works through a predetermined checklist of your vehicle’s systems. Your technician has the skill and experience to check for visible signs of wear, leaks, damage, and low fluid levels that can indicate a problem.

This inspection is designed to catch small issues before they become expensive repairs. A cracked hose, corroded battery, or a thin brake pad are all things a technician can spot during the inspection that many drivers may not notice until something goes wrong.

Your technician will inspect the following:

• air and cabin filters
• battery, including the case, cables, and clamps (and perform a crank test)
• brake fluid
• chassis
• coolant level and condition
• differential fluid
• drive belt and timing belt
• exhaust
• hoses
• lights and signals
• power steering fluid
• shocks and struts
• tire pressure, rotation, wear, and tread
• transfer case fluid
• transmission fluid
• washer fluid
• wiper blades

Canadian winters are long and genuinely hard on your vehicle. From November to April (longer if you live farther north), your car is exposed to road salt, potholes, and extremely cold temperatures, which can damage a variety of components.

Unfortunately, summertime is when some of these issues may first surface. A hose weakened over the winter may start leaking when the engine runs hot in July. A battery that was in fine condition in April may fail completely when heat accelerates corrosion in August, causing slow engine cranking or flickering dash lights. Extreme heat degrades the rubber on belts and hoses. Your A/C will also be under a lot of demand, which places additional stress on the compressor and refrigerant systems.

Plus, long road trips, hauling, and towing not only tack on mileage, but strain your engine, transmission, brakes, and tires. Over time, you may notice your car is pulling to one side due to uneven tire wear or a wheel alignment issue. There may also be squealing or grinding when braking due to thin brake pads.

Make sure to book your seasonal maintenance in the spring to beat the rush and feel confident knowing your vehicle has been fully inspected before your first summer road trip.

Each season places a unique set of demands on your vehicle. Luckily, proactive and regular maintenance can keep your vehicle in the best condition possible and ready for whatever adventure you plan next. Trust your NAPA AUTOPRO certified technician to expertly inspect your vehicle before small issues turn into costly repairs.

Find your nearest NAPA AUTOPRO service centre and book your appointment today at napaautopro.com.