Summer Maintenance Tips in El Dorado AR
Summer Maintenance Tips in El Dorado AR
Summer is here, and that means it’s time for enjoying family, beautiful weather and fun adventures. If you’re preparing for a summer vacation, don’t let your plans get ruined at the last minute by car trouble. There’s nothing that will upset a trip like a breakdown, but you can avoid unpleasant surprises with a little preparation in advance. Take a look at our summer maintenance tips below to find out how to properly inspect your vehicle and find any issues that need to be addressed (either at home or by the service experts here at Karl Malone Toyota of El Dorado).
Air Conditioning
Summer weather can bring extreme temperatures here in Arkansas, so air conditioning is a must. In preparation for traveling, turn on your vehicle and start the air conditioning to make sure it works properly. It may take a minute or two to cool down, but eventually you should feel cold air blowing from the vents. If it never cools down or there seem to be any other issues, your HVAC system may have a leak, causing a low refrigerant level. It’s possible to fix a leak like this at home with leak sealant, or you can make a service appointment with our team instead.
Tire Condition
It’s important to check your tires every season since tires lose or gain pressure as outside temperatures fluctuate. If your tires are underinflated, they can wear out more easily, so reference your owner’s manual to find the optimal PSI and ensure your tires are filled to the correct pressure. It’s also a good idea to make sure there aren’t any nails or other debris stuck in your tires that could cause slow leaks, and while you’re at it, check your tire tread by using the penny test. Grab a penny and put it in your tire’s tread with Lincoln upside down and facing you. If you can’t see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tread is deep enough to drive safely. If you can see the top of his head and hair, your tire tread is dangerously shallow and your tire is in danger of blowing out. If you need replacement tires, bring your vehicle into our tire center as soon as possible.
Fluid Levels
Your vehicle’s fluids are essential to a smooth driving experience, so check them every season. These fluids include oil, windshield wiper fluid, brake fluid, power-steering fluid and coolant. Coolant is extremely important in the summer since it keeps your engine from overheating. If your fluids seem low (or you aren’t sure how to check them at all) and you need help from our technicians, don’t hesitate to make a service appointment.
Windshield Wipers
Your windshield wipers wear out over time, and if you use them heavily, they may not be as effective as they once were. If they’re squeaking loudly as they pass over your windshield or they’re not thoroughly clearing off the water, it’s time to replace them.
Cabin Air Filter
Many of our customers underestimate the importance of the cabin air filter. However, since it cleans the air that enters your vehicle’s cabin — the air you breathe — it’s important to change this filter regularly (especially if you suffer from allergies). The cabin air filter is located behind the glovebox, and it’s not hard to replace at home. If you need help finding the right filter for your vehicle, we sell genuine OEM parts here at Karl Malone Toyota of El Dorado that are made specifically for Toyota models. We’ll help you find the filter you need in order to replace it yourself, or our technicians will be happy to replace it for you.
Other Vehicle Issues
Does your Toyota have a dead battery, an overheating engine, squealing brakes or other issues indicated by dashboard lights? Don’t wait — bring your model in for service today. Our team will diagnose and repair your vehicle efficiently and accurately. We’re also happy to answer your questions about maintaining your vehicle all year round.
If you’d like to learn more about summer maintenance or have any other questions, contact us today or stop by Karl Malone Toyota of El Dorado at 1830 West Hillsboro, El Dorado, AR 71730. We look forward to serving our customers near Magnolia, Camden, Junction City and Crossett.