Unlike in many other parts of the country, the residents of Ohio get to enjoy all four seasons. That can be both a good and a bad thing, but those temperature extremes are a way of life for Ohio residents.
Now that the long cold days of winter are finally over and the last traces of snow are gone, it is time for Ohio residents to get ready for the long hot summer to come. Before you know it, the summer heat will be here, and now is the time to get your car engine ready. Here are some proactive steps you can take now to prevent unexpected breakdowns later.
Check Your Hoses
Nothing can leave you stranded by the side of the road more quickly than a burst radiator hose. Even worse, the sudden loss of coolant could cause your engine to overheat, leaving you with a big repair bill and nothing to drive.
The best way to protect yourself from this expensive scenario is to check your hoses now, before a sudden rupture leaves you stranded. Lift the hood and examine the hoses carefully, looking for cracks, dry spots and weak areas. If the hose has seen its better days, it is time to have it replaced.
Look for Leaks
A burst radiator hose can cause a sudden loss of coolant, but a leak can also reduce your coolant levels and leave your engine at risk. Now is the time to check for leaks and have them fixed, so take a close look at the garage floor or the space under your parking spot at work.
You can also check for leaks by topping off the coolant and checking it after you have driven a few hundred miles. If the coolant level is low, you may have a slow leak somewhere, and you should get it fixed before the Ohio summer really heats up.
Change Your Oil
It is even more important to change your oil in the summer heat, so make sure you stay on schedule as the Ohio heat arrives. Check the mileage on your vehicle, then look at the sticker on your windshield. If you are due for an oil change, schedule one now, before the summer season.
Be sure to ask your mechanic about switching to a lighter weight oil for the summer season. In some cases, a lighter oil will provide additional engine protection during temperature extremes, including those hot Ohio summers.
The summer season is coming, and now is the time to get ready. Before the Ohio weather heats up, take the right steps to protect the car you drive and the engine it relies on.
