End of Summer Maintenance: What You Should Look For

Your vehicle has gone through a lot over the summer. After a season of heat, road trips, and heavy use, your car’s fluids, tires, and the A/C system are likely in need of a check-up. The end of summer and early fall is the optimal window to catch any small issues before cooler weather turns them into full breakdowns. 

Learn how end-of-summer maintenance prepares your car for cold weather and what you can expect from your next seasonal inspection at NAPA AUTOPRO. 

A/C System Performance 

Summer’s high temperatures mean you’ve likely relied a lot on your A/C system. This can place additional stress on the system’s components, including the refrigerant, compressor, and condenser. If these parts fail, you’ll notice weaker airflow and warm air from your vents. Heavy use and summer humidity can also allow mould and bacteria to build up in the system, causing musty smells from your vents. 

Because your A/C dehumidifies the air and defrosts your windshield in the winter, having it serviced after a long, hot summer orimmediately after noticing any of the above signs of a failing system will prepare it for winter. 

Fluid Levels and Condition 

Heat and long road trips mean your vehicle, and its essential fluids, have been working overtime all summer long: 

• Engine oil lubricates your engine. Summer heat can thicken it and create sludge, making it less effective at protecting it. 

• Coolant removes heat from your engine. If it’s low or worn out, your engine can overheat in the high summer temperatures. 

• Brake fluid transfers the force from your pedal to your brakes. Summer humidity adds moisture, lowering its boiling point. This can corrode brake components. 

• Transmission fluid lubricates and cools your transmission. Summer heat can oxidize it and leave deposits, reducing its ability to lubricate and cool. 

Your certified NAPA AUTOPRO technician will check these fluids and top up or change them as needed, based on the manufacturer’s recommendations. Having fresh fluids heading into the cooler season ensures your car can run efficiently and reduces the chance of an unexpected breakdown. 

Battery Health 

Cold weather can reduce battery capacity. But summer heat can also shorten battery life by evaporating internal electrolyte fluid and accelerating corrosion of internal components. Your automotive technician can run a load test of your battery once summer wraps up to see if a recharge or full battery replacement is necessary. 

Tires 

After a long summer on hot pavement, your tire tread may be worn. The hot weather can also affect tire pressure. 

Lower tire tread means your tires are less effective at channelling water or maintaining grip on the road. Your NAPA AUTOPRO technician can help you plan for your next tire replacement, whether you swap out tires in fall and spring or use the same set year round. 

As part of your end-of-summer maintenance, ask your technician to inspect your tires to ensure your vehicle can handle almost anything you throw at it. 

Brakes 

Your brakes have undergone a lot of stress over the summer. Stop-and-go traffic, heat, and long road trips can wear down brake components. To avoid a potential safety hazard in the winter, your technician will inspect the brakes for signs of wear or corrosion. They may recommend further care, such as cleaning your brakes or, if necessary, a full brake job. 

Lights and Wipers 

Shorter daylight hours mean your vehicle’s lights matter even more. Your technician will inspect your headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals for any signs that bulbs or electrical connections need to be replaced. 

Your wiper blades may also have degraded over the summer from high UV and heat exposure. If the rubber blade has begun to crack, or the wipers are no longer moving smoothly across the windshield, your technician can replace your wiper blades. 

Filters 

Your engine air filter keeps debris and dust from entering the engine, while your cabin air filter cleans the air entering your vehicle’s cabin through the vents. For the best air quality possible, your technician will check whether these filters need to be replaced. 

Even though winter and the stress it can place on your vehicle may be top of mind, your vehicle also needs extra care after a hot summer. Beat the fall rush and book your seasonal inspection appointment as soon as possible with your local NAPA AUTOPRO service centre.