AUSTIN (KXAN) — It’s summer in Texas, and with that comes more extreme heat and the possibility of severe weather. With more intense weather comes summer vacation, a time when many Texans are likely to hit the road in search of a little rest and relaxation.
Before a storm front approaches or you embark on a road trip, there are a few key areas of your vehicle you should check to ensure a safe trip.
Your car care checklist for summer
“Whether you’re heading into a storm or not, the first thing you should do is make sure your tires are in good condition and will last a long time,” says AJ Garza, regional manager for Jiffy Lube in charge of the San Antonio and Austin markets.
During the summer months, the extreme heat emanating from the roads can put your tires at risk when they become worn out and need replacing, Garza said. By making sure they are in good condition, drivers can avoid a blowout while driving, he added.
Three other important checkpoints on your vehicle are wiper blades, lights and the battery. Wiper blades wear out over time when exposed to extreme temperatures, especially when combined with dirt and debris and prolonged use. AAA recommends replacing them at least once a year, if not more often since the Texas climate is harsher.
Garza said lighting is especially important when drivers anticipate severe weather, such as rainstorms. Checking that lights are working can help you navigate the roads safely if you get caught in a downpour or other severe storms.
When it comes to the battery, it’s no surprise that monitoring its health and lifespan is especially important in Texas. Extremely high temperatures can overload a battery and cause it to fail.
“The extreme heat puts a huge dent in your battery, which can drain it,” Garza said. “The extreme heat also breaks down your coolant and antifreeze much faster, which can cause the vehicle to overheat.”
Garza recommends checking that your reserve and replacement containers are at the correct level and that the fluid is still within its lifespan and has not broken.
For air conditioning systems, drivers should also check to see if Freon – the non-flammable gas used in air conditioning systems – has been refilled. Garza added that most manufacturers recommend that drivers add new Freon every two to four years.
One standard part that drivers should not forget when maintaining a car, according to Garza, is the brakes, which should be checked regularly by a mechanic at every oil change.
There are also many garages that will do a free visual inspection of the brakes. He warned drivers to keep an eye on routine maintenance so they don’t wait until they get into the “red zone” to do something about it.
“(Jiffy Lube works) in green, yellow and red, with green being good condition, yellow being your attention and red being immediate attention,” he said. “So when it comes to braking, nobody wants to wait until the brakes are in the red zone.”
What should you always have in your car in case of an emergency?
One thing is for sure: You never know when a problem might arise with your vehicle. But Garza says drivers can prepare by doing a few simple things.
The first is a first aid kit in case a situation arises and someone needs lower level medical attention. He also stressed the importance of having jumper cables stored in the car.
It is also a good idea to have a spare bottle of petrol in case you run out of petrol and need to fill the extra canister to replenish your fuel supply.
Hand-held air compressors are small but powerful tools that can be used to inflate a tire in an emergency. Having extra phone chargers on hand in case of an emergency is also a way to keep people safe and get help when needed.
Garza suggested carrying a few spare turn signals or headlights in case one fails.
“If you know what your headlight is, it’s always good to have an extra one on your turn signals or your license plate light,” he said. “Because you don’t just want to see, you want to be seen.”
