By Blair Qualey
With longer days, warm weather, and the travel season well underway, summer is a great time to get out on the road — but first, it’s a smart move to ensure your vehicle is running smoothly and ready for the summer heat. Whether you’re cruising up the Sea-to-Sky, exploring BC’s wine country, or hopping on a ferry to the Island, staying on top of seasonal maintenance can help you stay safe, save money, and avoid unnecessary breakdowns on the road.
First things first, tire care is one of the most important things you can do at the start of summer. After (ideally) switching out winter tires earlier in the year, it’s a good idea to inspect your summer or all-season tires for wear, sidewall damage, or cracks that may have appeared while sitting in storage. Check the pressure regularly, particularly before highway driving, as underinflated tires not only wear faster but can also reduce fuel efficiency and handling, especially on long road trips or hot pavement.
It’s also a good time to check your vehicle’s fluids. Engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid all play essential roles in keeping your vehicle cool and functioning well. Hot temperatures can put extra stress on these systems, so topping up low fluids, or booking an oil change if it’s due, can prevent bigger problems later. If you’re unsure what types your vehicle needs, your local new car dealer is always a good place to start.
Batteries often get overlooked in summer, but high temperatures, just like low temperatures, can shorten battery life and affect performance. Corrosion on battery terminals or sluggish starts are signs to get it tested. And of course, your air conditioning system also deserves some attention. If it’s blowing warm air or struggling to keep the cabin cool, don’t wait until the next heat wave to get it checked. Nothing worse than a long summer road trip with no AC, especially for children and pets.
A regular car wash may not seem like a safety tip, but keeping your vehicle clean helps protect the paint and windows from summer build-up like bugs, dust, and sap. It also improves visibility and helps preserve the resale value of your vehicle. Adding a protective wax or coating can go a long way in shielding your vehicle from UV damage and grime.
Brake performance is another summer essential, especially when navigating BC’s mountain highways and forestry roads. If you hear squeaking or grinding, or if the car pulls to one side when stopping, that’s a good sign to have them looked at. Brakes endure a lot of wear over the summer months, particularly if your travels include towing or steep terrain, which many BC drivers can relate to.
For those driving electric vehicles or hybrids, warm weather can potentially improve range, but it’s still important to drive efficiently. Avoid rapid acceleration, take advantage of regenerative braking when possible, and try to charge during cooler nighttime hours. Planning charging stops ahead of time with the handy PlugShare Map found here. And remember, your new car dealer can provide model-specific tips to get the most out of your EV during the warmer months.
Whether you’re camping in the Kootenays, visiting family in the Okanagan, or staying closer to home, a little preventative maintenance can go a long way toward a safe, comfortable, and stress-free summer behind the wheel.
Wishing you safe travels and a great BC summer.
Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected].
