Avoid Car Trouble with These Three Summer Maintenance Tips

We like a nice summer road trip here at Value Van & Car Rental. However, the summer heat is particularly hard on vehicles, so it’s crucial to be sure your vehicle is capable of the task before you hit the road. Follow these three auto maintenance tips before you leave the house to prevent your car from breaking down on the road.

1. Fluid and Oil Checks

Oil changes should generally be performed every 7,500 miles, however, not all car owners adhere to this recommendation. To keep your engine properly lubricated and limit the amount of friction it generates, it's crucial to change your oil regularly. Oil changes also remove dirt and debris, which can improve the performance of your engine. By changing your oil before you depart, you can lower your risk of experiencing car difficulties on the road. You'll also want to regularly check your windshield wiper fluid, brake fluid, and transmission fluid to be extra safe.

2. New Windshield Wipers

Speaking of windshield washer fluid, your windshield wipers could likely be changed as well. The winter is very rough on wipers and wears them down quickly. Although New Jersey experiences a lot of sunshine during the summer, it can also have severe thunderstorms and torrential downpours. You'll need windshield wipers you can rely on if you're driving and encounter a heavy downpour.

3. Tires and Brakes

Wear and tear is a natural part of life, but some things get riskier as they get older. For instance, if tires are not in proper functioning order, they can be very dangerous for drivers. Inconvenient flats or even accidents can result from tires that are old, out of alignment, or improperly inflated. Check your tire pressure before you drive, or have a nearby repair shop do it for you. While you're already there, have them check your brakes and brake pads as those sometimes go ignored until the problem is already there.

If you're ready to take a summer road trip in New Jersey but lack the time to perform proper maintenance on your vehicle, Value Van & Car Rental is here to help. We have a large selection of rental cars, rental vans, rental SUVs, and rental trucks. You can contact us today at (908) 851-9595 to book a reservation.