Summer Maintenance Tips

Summer Maintenance Tips in Daphne, AL

There’s no better feeling than when summer makes an entrance — it means it’s road trip season! Don’t hit the gas pedal quite yet — is your vehicle ready for a long journey? The last thing you need is car trouble right as the whole family is buckled up and ready to go. That’s why the team here at Kia of Daphne decided to compile a list of summer maintenance tips you should follow in order to stay on top of the care your Kia needs. Keep reading to learn more, and if you find that you need service, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with our trusted technicians today.

Prepare Your Vehicle for Alabama Summer Driving

Hot temperatures, long drives and summer road trips can put additional stress on your vehicle. Checking a few important components before traveling can help reduce the risk of breakdowns and keep your Kia performing properly throughout the season.

• Check First A/C, tires, coolant and other essential fluids.
• Don't Forget Wipers and your cabin air filter also need attention.
• Need Help? Kia of Daphne can inspect and service your vehicle.

Essential Summer Maintenance Checklist

• Air Conditioning

  First thing you should do is check your air conditioning. Turn it on and wait a few minutes for the cool air to start blowing through the vents. However, if you notice the air isn’t getting cool or the A/C isn’t working at all, there may be a leak in the system that’s causing a low refrigerant level. You’ll want to address this problem as soon as possible, especially when we’re hitting the summer season here in Alabama. You can either fix it yourself by using a leak sealant or bring it into our service center for our expert team to take care of it.

• Tire Condition

  It’s very important to check your tires at the beginning of every new season. This is because tires tend to lose or gain pressure due to the outside temperatures. Maintaining the correct tire pressure is crucial since your tires will wear out more quickly when they’re underinflated. To find the correct PSI for your model, refer to your owner’s manual. While you’re filling up your tires, check for any nails or debris puncturing the tires that could be causing a slow leak. In addition, examine the tread and make sure it’s deep enough. An easy way to do this is by conducting the penny test. Simply insert a penny in the grooves of your tires with Lincoln’s head upside down. If you can see his head and hair, it’s probably time for a replacement.

• Fluid Levels

  Don’t forget to check your vehicle’s fluid levels whenever a new season is upon us. This includes oil, windshield wiper fluid, brake fluid, power-steering fluid and coolant. One of the most important fluids during the summertime is coolant since it’s what prevents your engine from overheating. If you’re ever unsure of how to check any of these fluids, our team will be happy to assist you.

• Windshield Wipers

  You’ve most likely used your windshield wipers frequently during the winter and spring months, due to heavy rains and pollen clinging to your windshield. This heavy utilization naturally causes rapid wear and tear. If you notice your wipers are no longer effective in clearing your view or they’re making loud squeaking noises, you probably need to replace them.

• Cabin Air Filter

  Thank your cabin air filter for the clean air you and your passengers breathe in every day. It’s extremely important to regularly check and change your cabin air filter to ensure fresh air is continuously circulating throughout the interior of your Kia. This part is typically located behind your glovebox, and it’s pretty easy to replace on your own. Luckily for you, we’re always stocked with genuine OEM parts. If you’d prefer a professional to take care of it, our service technicians will be happy to replace it for you.

• Other Vehicle Issues

  If your Kia is experiencing major problems such as an overheating engine, a dead battery, squealing brakes or any other issues indicated via your dashboard lights, we urge you to bring your model in for service as soon as possible. Our team will investigate the problem and diligently work to resolve it. We’re also happy to answer any additional questions you may have about your car’s condition and how to best prepare it for all types of weather conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Vehicle Maintenance

• What maintenance should I check before a summer road trip?

  Before a summer road trip, check your air conditioning, tire pressure and tread, engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid, windshield wipers and cabin air filter. Addressing these items before traveling can help reduce the risk of unexpected vehicle problems.

• How do I know if my car's air conditioning needs service?

  If your air conditioning does not produce cool air after running for several minutes or stops cooling altogether, the system may need attention. A low refrigerant level or leak may be responsible, and a service technician can inspect the system and determine the appropriate repair.

• Why is tire pressure especially important during summer?

  Changes in outside temperature can affect tire pressure. Driving with underinflated or improperly inflated tires can increase tire wear and affect vehicle performance. Check the recommended PSI in your owner's manual and inspect your tires for damage and adequate tread depth.

• Which vehicle fluids should I check during the summer?

  Important fluids to check include engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power-steering fluid when applicable and windshield washer fluid. Coolant is particularly important during hot weather because it helps regulate engine temperature and prevent overheating.

• When should windshield wipers be replaced?

  Windshield wipers should be replaced when they leave streaks, fail to clear the windshield effectively, skip across the glass or begin making excessive noise. Worn wiper blades can reduce visibility during summer rainstorms.

• Why should I check my cabin air filter before summer?

  The cabin air filter helps remove dust, pollen and other contaminants from the air entering your vehicle's interior. A dirty filter may reduce airflow and affect air-conditioning performance, so checking or replacing it before summer can help maintain comfortable cabin conditions.

• Where can I schedule summer maintenance for my Kia in Daphne, AL?

  You can schedule a service appointment with Kia of Daphne in Daphne, Alabama. The service team can inspect your vehicle and help address maintenance needs before summer travel.

Ready to Prepare Your Kia for Summer?

Our service team can help inspect your vehicle and address maintenance needs before your next summer road trip.

Visit Kia of Daphne at 29816 Frederick Blvd., Daphne, AL 36526 . We proudly serve drivers near Mobile, Fairhope, Robertsdale and Pensacola.