SUMMER PREPARATION AND MAINTENANCE IN Dudley

The service center at  Mcgee Toyota of Dudley Auto says, bring on the heat! Our Western Mass dealership wants to best prepare you for your summer road trip, no matter the temperature! Continue reading below to learn 10 of our best summer vehicle maintenance tips for your Toyota vehicle! 

1.  Park In The Shade 

Just like humans, cars don't like being left out in the burning sun. If possible, try to park your vehicle in a shaded area as frequently you can. This will provide protection for your car  when exposed to high temperatures. 

If there is no shaded option when parking your vehicle, dashboard sunshades are a great option! These shades protect your dashboard against the sun’s ultraviolet rays, and keeps it nice and cool.

2.  Wash And Wax Your Vehicle

Did you know when the weather is just above 33 degrees, salt residue can rust on your vehicle? In the winter, the slick Massachusetts roads are filled with salt, water, sand, and dirt. That debris can get stuck in crevices such as your engine and brake lines. Properly washing your car in preparation for the summer months, will boost the longevity of your vehicle.

In addition, waxing your vehicle will add an extra layer of protection to the exterior. This protects your car’s paint job from sun damage and scratches, as well as pollen, bird droppings, bug splatter, and dust. 

3.  Properly Check Coolant Levels 

In the hot months of summer it is important to check your vehicle’s coolant levels . To do so, open the hood of your car and check for the coolant reservoir. The coolant level is shown by the indicator lines within the reservoir. If low, add 50% Coolant and 50% water in the coolant cap. Never apply coolant to a hot engine! Always wait for the engine to cool, before applying. If you aren't comfortable doing this, one of our technicians here at McGee Toyota of Dudley will be happy to assist you!

4. Flush Your Radiator

It is also known as a “coolant flush”!  It is important to do this periodically to make sure that it’s properly recycled and as such keeps your system in the best possible condition.  As mentioned before, checking coolant levels is important. However, even if coolant levels are correct, your Toyota can still benefit from a full radiator flush. Our Toyota certified technicians can help you with this if you’re not certain about how to do it yourself!

5. Frequently Check Your Car’s Temperature Gauge 

The temperature gauge is located on the dashboard of your Toyota vehicle. When correctly displayed, the gauge will have a needle pointing toward the center. If your car is overheating, the needle will point toward “Hot”. If this happens, pull your vehicle over and allow the car to cool down.

6.  Keep Your Tires Inflated

Driving on under-inflated tires is a quick way to lead them to overheat and eventually blowout, especially when road temperatures are extremely high. Tires normally lose one pound of pressure each month, due to normal seepage. Therefore, it is vital you make sure to check their pressure, including the spare tires, to ensure sure they’re up to the manufacturer's specifications. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for pressure recommendation and the correct tire information label. If you need tires replaced, we’ll be more than willing to assist you!

7.  Make Sure Fluids Are At An Appropriate Level

As mentioned above, keeping your fluids relatively new and freshly flushed is a good idea for keeping your vehicle cool. In that same vein, you want to make sure that they are kept at a decent level. That doesn’t just mean coolant, either! That includes motor oil, transmission fluid, and other fluids. This will help keep your vehicle’s moving parts cool while on the road. 

8. Wiper Replacement

Yes, that’s right, a straightforward wiper replacement can benefit you this summer. Summer rains can carry nasty dirt and debris to the windshield of your vehicle. When used, worn wipers will smudge the debris, causing streaks across your windshield. Thus, affecting your vision when on the road.

 A low-cost, proactive, and effective solution to this issue is a simple replacement of wipers. Directions on how to do this can be found in your vehicle’s owner's manual. However, it can be a bit of a tricky task. During a routine service or maintenance, one of our technicians will be happy to apply new wipers on your vehicle for free, with a purchase from our accessories department!

9. Test Your Battery 

The severe Massachusetts heat conditions can exhaust your vehicle’s battery. A simple glimpse and inspection on your car’s battery will help you determine if it is safe to be using or not. If you see any bulging, leaks, and/or cracks this may need it needs replaced. As well, if it is 3 years or older we recommend having it tested by one of our Toyota-trained technicians, to avoid getting stuck in the road. 

10. Prepare An Emergency Kit

As we stated above, it is vital to be proactive when you are getting your vehicle maintained your vehicle in preparation for the hot June, July, and August (and beyond) months! We recommend always carrying a well-stocked emergency kit in your car. This can come in handy if you ever find yourself stuck on the side of the road, or broken down somewhere. This kit may include:

• Flashlight or headlamp 
• Spare batteries
• Your vehicle’s owner’s manual
• Phone charger or spare phone battery
• A set of jumper cables
• A jug of water to keep you hydrated on long car rides
• Non-perishable food items
• A proper first-aid kit 
• Basic tools such as a wrench and screwdriver
• A spare tire 
• Duct tape
• Sunscreen
• Tire sealant incase tire can not remain inflated 
• Gloves
• Spare blankets
• Spare towels and/or rags

Prime Summer Toyota Service in Massachusetts

One of the most important procedures you can do while you’re working to keep your vehicle summer ready, is to make sure every aspect is working in the best possible condition! Our priority vehicle maintenance will ensure that you and your family have a safe and stress-free summer while driving in the New England sun. The Mcgee Toyota family in MA, suggest a proactive approach to maintenance this season, to prevent possible breakdowns due to heat. A vehicle that reaches extreme hot temperatures can not only lead to pricey repairs, but can even threaten the driver, and passenger’s safety. We can help you learn of your vehicle’s possible safety recalls and service campaigns. 

Don’t feel like servicing your vehicle alone? Need assistance in the summer maintenance process? Vehicle maintenance is a breeze when you bring your car to our Dudley Toyota dealership, and have our skilled lineup of technicians assist your vehicle! Check our service center page, or contact a customer service representative to learn about our special service offers. Safety is and always will be our team’s number one priority. Our Toyota dealership ensures the perfect maintenance, for an easy and safe summer season! 

Schedule your service at McGee Toyota of Dudley, MA today! We service the Dudley, Webster, Boston, and surrounding western Massachusetts areas!