Summer driving can be tough on your vehicle. Hot pavement, long road trips, heavy air conditioning use, stop-and-go traffic and sudden summer storms can all put extra stress on your car, truck or SUV.

Before the season gets busy, use this summer maintenance checklist to help keep your vehicle running safely, comfortably and efficiently.

1. Check Your Oil

Hot weather can put extra stress on your engine. Make sure your oil level is correct and your oil change is up to date before taking longer summer drives. If your oil looks dark, smells burnt or your service reminder is on, schedule an oil change before your next road trip.

2. Inspect the Cooling System

Your radiator, coolant level, hoses and belts all help prevent overheating. Summer heat can make small cooling system issues worse, especially during longer drives or heavy traffic. If your temperature gauge runs high, have your vehicle inspected before it becomes a bigger repair.

3. Test the Air Conditioning

A properly working air conditioning system makes summer driving more comfortable and helps reduce humidity inside the cabin. If your A/C is blowing warm air, making unusual noises or taking too long to cool the vehicle, it may be time for an inspection.

4. Check Tire Pressure and Tread

Tire pressure can change as temperatures rise. Underinflated or worn tires can affect handling, braking and fuel economy. Check your tire pressure, inspect tread depth and look for uneven wear before long summer trips.

5. Test the Battery

Summer heat can shorten battery life. If your vehicle starts slowly, your lights seem dim or your battery is several years old, a quick battery test can help you avoid unexpected trouble.

6. Replace Wiper Blades

Summer storms can arrive quickly. Replace streaking, cracked or skipping wiper blades and top off your windshield washer fluid so you are ready for sudden rain, dust and bugs on the windshield.

Before Your Next Road Trip

Planning a summer road trip? Have your brakes, fluids, tires, lights and filters checked before you leave. A quick inspection can help you avoid delays and give you more confidence on the road.

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Summer Maintenance Checklist Summary

  • Check your engine oil and service interval.
  • Inspect coolant, hoses and belts.
  • Make sure your air conditioning is working properly.
  • Check tire pressure, tread depth and tire condition.
  • Test your battery before extreme heat arrives.
  • Replace worn wiper blades and top off washer fluid.
  • Schedule an inspection before any long summer road trip.