Whether you prefer life on the California coast or spend your time inland, California residents understand how important it is to beat the heat. Accomplishing that, however, is a different story.
For us, beating the heat often means staying hydrated, staying inside, or staying close to the beach or pool. However, for our vehicles, beating the heat often means planning ahead to ensure they’re well-prepared for the summer sun.
So, how exactly do we help our vehicles prepare for rising temperatures and the summer sun? We’ve compiled a seven-step checklist for Land Rover maintenance near you, so keep reading to find out more!
Test Your Land Rover’s AC
The first step in preparing your vehicle for long summer days is to test the air conditioning. Your car’s cooling system is the first line of defense against overheating, so it’s a critical step in ensuring your Land Rover is ready to tackle the summer season.
If you notice during your AC test that the unit is blowing hot air or there is a significant decrease in cooling capacity, visit a Land Rover service center near you to help diagnose the problem. While it could just need a cooling system fluid exchange, it might be a bigger problem.
Inspect and Check Your Tires
Winter and roadside conditions can cause damage to your tires, so be sure to inspect them for any cuts, gouges, or sidewall bulges that may have occurred during your winter and springtime errands. Another key element to your tire inspection? Tire pressure.
Rising temperatures can cause the air inside your tire to expand, leading to overinflation. An overinflated tire is more likely to experience a blowout and uneven wear, so it's important to monitor your tire pressure regularly to ensure it stays at the manufacturer’s recommended level.
Put Your Foot on the Brake
Hit the brakes!
No, seriously.
Your brakes are the most essential safety feature on your vehicle, and it's important to do regular brake checks, not just in harsh weather conditions, but year-round.
When your brakes begin to fail or the pads begin to experience extreme wear and tear, you may hear a grinding sound or feel a vibration when applying pressure to the brakes. If this happens, visit a center for Land Rover service near you for a brake inspection immediately.
Level Out the Engine Fluids
Before you venture off on your epic summer road trip, make sure that all of your vehicle’s fluid levels are topped off and ready to go to ensure your Land Rover runs smoothly.
Warm weather often causes engine fluids to thin or evaporate, putting more strain on certain components and increasing the likelihood of failure or an expensive repair.
Fluid levels to top off or change may include:
- Transmission fluid
- Brake fluid
- Power steering fluid
- Coolant
- Windshield wiper fluid
Opt for an Oil Change
An oil and filter change is one of the easiest ways to increase the lifespan of your ride. Oil helps keep your engine safe from wear and tear by lubricating its parts, while the oil filter helps remove unwanted contaminants from the car’s engine oil.
It is recommended that you change your oil every 5,000 miles, or adhere to your Land Rover model’s specific guidelines outlined in the owner’s manual.
Replace Windshield Wiper Blades
When it comes to visibility on the roadways, rainfall is not the only element standing in your way. In the summer months, dust and pollen can cloud your vision, so fresh windshield wiper blades are key.
When checking your windshield wiper blades, make sure that pollen and other particles aren’t covering your headlights. Even the smallest obstructions can cause them to appear dim or weak.
Plan Ahead for Emergencies with Your Land Rover Service Center
You never know where the road may take you, and sometimes the best-laid travel plans can result in the unexpected. At Land Rover Livermore, we want to ensure that you’re prepared for every stage of your journey.
We recommend keeping a well-stocked emergency kit in your vehicle, which may include:
- A flashlight
- Extra batteries
- First-aid supplies
- Drinking water
- Non-perishable snacks
- Car battery booster cables
- Emergency flares
- A basic tool kit
Before you head into the summer season, take the extra step towards car maintenance and head on down to our Land Rover service center for a checkup. We will ensure that your vehicle is ready to take on the summer sun and survive well into fall!
Schedule an appointment online or give us a call today!
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Land Rover Maintenance Checklist