Summer is here and it’s a perfect time to go for a road trip with your family! Before you load up the car and head out of town, be sure you take the time to get your car ready for the hot summer months. Many areas of the country experience extreme heat, which can really affect your vehicle. Two key areas that need to be addressed are your vehicle’s battery and tires.

Extreme heat can really take the life out of your vehicle’s battery. While you cannot control the weather, you can make sure that your battery is securely mounted to minimize vibration. In addition, summer heat can lead to increased evaporation of battery fluid which can cause corrosion on battery terminals and connections. Make sure to keep these areas corrosive free and that terminals and clamps are tight enough so they don’t move. Finally, if your battery is more than three years old, then it’s time to have it tested to see how much longer it will last.

Not only does your battery take a beating with extreme heat, but so do your tires. Driving on under-inflated tires can cause tires to overheat which can lead to a blowout. In addition, you should always make sure that your tires have adequate tread depth and don’t show areas of uneven wear which can indicate a problem with the alignment or suspension.

Summer road trips can be lots of fun and ways to make memories to last a lifetime. Just make sure your car is in good driving condition so you can avoid getting stranded on the side of the road. So, before you head out the door, FIRST stop by any First Tire & Automotive location and one of our friendly and professionally trained technicians will be happy to check out your car and make sure you are ready to go!