Like winter, the summer driving months have their own unique challenges. While you might not curse a non-working heater, you'll surely be just as unhappy about an AC system that doesn't blow cold - or an engine that overheats. Preparing your car for summer by visiting a Sasha Auto Car Parts and Service Centre is a simple step to save you time, money, and sanity when you are on the road this summer. Taking the necessary precautions will keep your car purring while you wave and laugh as you pass the family stuck on the side of the highway with a car that overheated for the fifteenth time.
1. Tires - A common misconception is that you need new tires for the rainy winter seasons, but in reality, the summer heat can do more damage to tires. If your tires look dry and cracked, have bubbles, or have worn out treads, take your car into a Sasha Auto to either have them fixed or replaced. Once you are confident the tires will last, double check the air pressure to ensure they aren't over or under inflated.
2. Cooling System - The most common breakdown during summer is due to overheating. Have a mechanic examine your cooling system, and be confident you will be able to blast the air conditioning without risk of overheating. You don't want to be that guy cruising up a hillside at 10mph with the heat on high to prevent overheating.
3. Battery - Extreme heat tends to drain battery life, so have your battery tested at Sasha Auto-especially if the battery is more than 3 years old. A visual inspection of the battery will give you an idea of how soon it will die on you. If summer is approaching and you see a lot of moisture or corrosion on the battery, get it replaced or at least inspected by a professional. Asking every stranger you see at a gas station for jumper cables will quickly get annoying on a summer road trip.
4. Fluids - Check your car's manual for an explanation of all the fluids in your car, what they should look like, and how high they should be. Everything from your coolant to windshield wiper fluid should be cleaned and topped off before the summer strikes.
5. Belts and Hoses - Similar to the battery, do a quick visual examination of all of your belts and hoses to see if they are old, cracked, or ready to fail. While the engine is cool, squeeze the hoses to determine their strength and take a close look for any cracks on the engine drive belt.
6. Brakes - A reputable Sasha Auto will be able to tell you how much life is left in your brakes and rotors. Have someone take a look at them before summer arrives because the heat can take a toll on your brake pads, and once those are gone, you will be digging into the rotors; a very expensive repair.
7. Engine Performance - Replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended. More often in dusty conditions though. Get engine drive-ability problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished power, etc.) corrected at a good shop.
8. Lights - Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean dirt and insects from all lenses. To prevent scratching, never use a dry rag.
9. Wiper blades -If you've had your wipers for a year or longer or if they aren't making full contact with the windshield, it's time to buy a new set. You don't want to be caught with poor visibility in a surprise downpour.
10. Car Care- Give your vehicle a good wash and wax. Then try to park where shade will cover your car for as long as possible. The best way to protect your exterior is to keep your car out of the sun. In Sasha Auto we offered you a Full Car Valet.

