Summer Maintenance Tips in Kennesaw, GA

There’s no greater feeling than the warmth of summer making an entrance! The beautiful weather makes many drivers catch the road trip bug and crave the excitement of an outdoor adventure. But wait — why won’t the car start? An unexpected vehicle problem is the worst possible thing that could happen before you hit the road. That’s why it’s important to stay on top of your car’s care as much as possible before the big trip commences. In fact, the team here at Cobb County Toyota has compiled a list of tips and tricks to keep in mind for the summer months ahead. Keep reading to learn more!

Air Conditioning

First things first: Turn on your vehicle and start the air conditioning. It’s okay if it takes a few minutes to cool down, but eventually you should feel cold air coming through the vents. If you notice that your air never gets cool like it used to or your A/C doesn’t seem to be working at all, you might have a leak in the system. This starts to cause a low refrigerant level. For the safety of you and your passengers, you want to get this problem addressed as soon as possible — especially when there’s extreme heat temperatures in the summer! Hot weather is a common climate here in Georgia, so don’t hesitate to schedule a service appointment to get your ride cool again.

Tire Condition

At the start of any new season, it’s crucial to check the pressure levels in your tires. This is because tires will typically lose or gain pressure depending on the outside temperature. Always try to maintain the correct pressure since tires will experience more wear and tear if they’re underinflated. Now that we’re entering a hot season, we recommend checking your owner’s manual to make sure your tires are at the appropriate PSI (Pounds per Square Inch). While you’re filling your tires with air, examine them to ensure there aren’t any nails or debris stuck in your tires — holes will cause a slow leak that you may not initially notice. Also check your tire tread by conducting the penny test. Simply stick a penny in the grooves of your tire with Lincoln facing you. If you see the top of Lincoln’s head and hair, your tread is most likely too low. Did you know that driving with worn-out tires puts you at risk for blowouts? Take preventative action by visiting our service department for a new set.

Fluid Levels

With each new season, it's crucial to ensure your vehicle's fluid levels are topped off. This includes oil, windshield wiper fluid, brake fluid, power-steering fluid and coolant. Coolant is one of the most important components since it plays a vital role in keeping your engine at an optimal temperature and preventing it from overheating during the warm summer months. If you're unsure about how to check these fluids yourself, don't hesitate to reach out. Our team is here and ready to assist you.

Windshield Wipers

Throughout the winter and spring, your windshield wipers likely faced a heavy workload, contending with persistent rains and coats of pollen. This rigorous use can lead to faster wear and tear. If you find that your wipers are no longer removing debris from the windshield efficiently, or if they produce a loud squeaking sound as they swipe across the glass, it may be time to consider replacing them.

Cabin Air Filter

Thank your cabin air filter for the fresh air that enters the interior cabin of your car. This component of your vehicle filters the air you and your passengers breathe in through your many journeys. That’s why it’s crucial to regularly change this filter so that you continuously have clean air circulating within your car. This air filter is conveniently located behind your glovebox, so it’s not too much of a hassle to replace it yourself. Purchase a filter that fits like a perfect puzzle piece within your vehicle by visiting our parts department — we’re stocked full of genuine OEM products! If you’d rather have a professional take care of it, we would love to help install the air filter for you so that you won’t have to lift a finger.

Other Vehicle Issues

Is your Toyota experiencing major problems like an overheating engine, a dead battery, squealing brakes or any other issues your dashboard lights are indicating? We urge you to schedule a service appointment as soon as you can. These extreme problems can be a safety hazard for you and your passengers. Our expert technicians can efficiently investigate the issue and fix it as quickly as possible. Plus, we’re here to answer any questions you may have along the way in regards to your vehicle’s condition and how best to prepare it for any weather conditions that may come your way.