How to Prepare Your Car for Summer Driving: 5 Must-Do Tips

Warm weather means road trips, longer drives, and more time on the road. But before you hit the highway, it’s important to make sure your car is ready for summer conditions.

Here are 5 key steps to prepare your car for a safer, smoother summer!

1. Check Your Tire Pressure and Tread

Hot pavement affects tire pressure — and underinflated tires can lead to blowouts. Be sure to:

• Check PSI when tires are cool

• Rotate tires if you haven’t in 5,000–8,000 miles

• Look for cracking or uneven tread
  

📌 Pro tip: Use the penny test to check tread depth — if you can see all of Lincoln’s head, it’s time for new tires.

2. Top Off Fluids (Especially Coolant!)

Your engine works harder in the heat, so proper fluid levels are critical:

• Coolant/antifreeze (essential to prevent overheating)

• Engine oil

• Windshield washer fluid

• Brake fluid

• Transmission fluid
  

💡 If you're low on coolant, don’t just top it off — find out why. You may have a leak or worn hose.

3. Test the AC and Cabin Air Filter

Nothing makes a summer drive miserable like weak air conditioning. Turn on your AC and check:

• Cold air is flowing consistently

• Strange smells or noises are absent

• No delay or sputtering in airflow
  

If it smells musty, you probably need to replace your cabin air filter — this improves air quality and AC efficiency.

4. Clean Your Windshield Inside and Out

Glare from a dirty windshield is one of the biggest visibility issues in summer. Combine that with dust, pollen, or bug buildup, and you’ve got a problem.

• Use glass cleaner and microfiber towels
  

• Clean inside and outside glass
  

• Replace worn blades to avoid smearing

5. Replace Your Windshield Wipers

Summer storms can hit hard — and visibility matters most when the weather turns.

Signs you need new blades:

• Streaks or smearing
  

• Skipping across the glass
  

• Squeaking or rubber separation
  

Even in summer, UV rays and heat can break down wiper rubber, making replacements a smart seasonal habit.

Final Thought: A Little Prep Goes a Long Way

Summer should be about smooth drives and open roads — not overheating, poor visibility, or roadside emergencies.

By checking your wipers, tires, fluids, and AC, you’ll avoid the most common warm-weather issues and stay safe all season long.