Summer Maintenance Checklist

Summer brings many wonderful activities; will your vehicle be ready?

Posted May 17, 2021

People across Canada are ready for summer and all of the wonderful activities it brings. The heat of summer can be especially tough on your vehicle. The last thing you want is to be stuck on the side of the road and miss out on the fun. For this reason, we recommend “checking in” on your vehicle with these simple tips.

1) Check your Air Conditioning

With average summer temperatures in Canada reaching 25°C, you want to be sure your air conditioning is in working order. To test your air conditioner, simply turn on your vehicle and switch the “A/C” function on. Here are some signs that your air conditioning system may need maintenance:

It doesn’t get cold or takes long to get cold. Most vehicles’ A/C systems should begin cooling within 60-120 seconds, depending on how warm your vehicle is (if you are parked in the sun, for example – it may take longer). If your vehicle A/C is taking longer than normal to cool off, or does not get cold at all, this signals a problem.
Weak airflow. If the airflow seems hindered, it could indicate a blockage.
Leaking water or coolant. If you see a liquid leaking down your dash or onto the floor of your vehicle, it could be either water or coolant from a clogged hose or a leak. These issues, although seemingly small, can lead to much more expensive damage to your vehicle.
Unusual Noises or Smells. Listen for any unusual noises that you do not recognize such as “whirring” or “grinding”. Your vehicle A/C should not have any distinct smells. Unusual odors can indicate a problem somewhere in your system.

2) Inspect Your Wiper Blades and Wiper Fluid

The summer can bring intense rain in many areas of Canada, which is a safety hazard if your wipers aren’t in adequate shape. I nspect your wipers closely for signs of wear, including separation of rubber from the wiper or excessive rust. As a general rule, your wiper blades should be changed every 6-12 months. Just like your tires, summer windshield wipers are optimized for the conditions you’ll face in the summer.

Summer conditions can also include a lot of dirt and debris. Check your wiper fluid level as well to ensure you have an adequate amount in your reservoir, as well as a backup container in your vehicle.

3) Check Your Tires

By summer, you should have had your tires changed over from winter tires to summer or all-season tires. During your changeover in the spring, your Integra Tire technician would have inspected your tires before mounting them; however, we recommend a monthly check-in of your tires to ensure they are in good condition.

Pressure. Ensure your tire pressure is set to your vehicle standard and fill any underinflated tires, or release air from overinflated tires.
Tread depth. Once your tread depth is nearing 2/32″, it’s time to get a new set of tires.
Cracks or punctures. Any damage such as cracks or punctures can cause slow leaks. If left unchecked, these may result in a catastrophic failure on the road.
Uneven wear. Check your tires for any signs of uneven wear across their surface.

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4) Change Your Oil

Summer is an especially important time to be up-to-date on your vehicle’s oil change maintenance schedule. A hot engine needs lubrication; if you wait too long between oil changes, you won’t only have less lubrication, but it will be less effective at lubricating. Engines may also need a thicker oil in the summer months because the summer heat can cause your oil to thin out. Your vehicle manufacturer may also recommend a higher viscosity oil for heavy duty tasks, such as if you are pulling a holiday trailer.

Because oil recommendations can be rather complex, ask your service advisor for more information.

5) Double Check Your Spare Tire and Emergency Kit

You’re likely going to be hitting the highway this summer for camping, hiking, hunting, or weekends at the cabin. If you do get a flat or break down, you’ll want to make sure emergency supplies are available.

Double check that your spare tire is still in good condition. Be sure you also have your jack, lug wrench, and key lock (if applicable). This is also a good time to double check any roadside assistance packages or memberships you have are still in good order.

Build an emergency kit including extra food, water, clothing, phone chargers, and a mobile power bank.

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Staying safe on the road this summer

6) It’s also a good idea to consider the following:

Battery/Charging System Test. Any extreme temperatures can be hard on your battery, including the heat. Your local Integra Tire can run a relatively quick test on your battery and charging system to ensure it’s in good working order.
Check your belts and hoses. Do a quick visual check of your serpentine belt and hoses for cracks, visible wear, or fraying. Also listen for any odd noises from your serpentine belt such as grinding or high pitch whistling.
Coolant Flush. Coolants play a critical role in maintaining your engine’s temperature in the heat. Ensure you have an appropriate coolant level and are following your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule for coolant flushes.

Inspection Packages

Your local Integra Tire has a vehicle inspection package that will include checking all of your vehicle’s major systems, including everything listed above and much more. To request an inspection, use our online request an appointment tool, or call us today.

Questions? Our Advisors are Happy to Help!

If you have questions about anything you've read in this resource page, contact your nearest dealer for more information. We are passionate in assisting our customers make the best choices to keep their vehicles in tip-top shape and keep their families safe.