McGrath Lexus Chicago Blog

From extreme heat to sudden downpours, driving during the summer is not without its own special set of challenges. Follow these helpful tips to ensure you have a safe summer driving season.

Check your fluids. Heat can really stress out an engine. To reduce how hard your engine works on hot days, have McGrath Lexus of Chicago change your oil, and check your transmission fluid and engine coolant before the summer heat sets in.

Check your tires. If you use winter tires, switch to summer or all-season tires. Winter tires wear out quickly on hot, dry pavement. Also, make sure your tires are properly inflated, which increases fuel economy and tire longevity.

Watch the temperature gauge. If your car’s temperature gauge starts to rise, turn on the heater. While the passenger compartment may get pretty warm, diverting heat away from the engine can prevent your car from overheating, possibly saving the engine.

Don’t overload your car. When packing for an extended summer road trip, know your vehicle’s weight load limit. An overloaded vehicle can be difficult to stop, especially on wet pavement. In addition, the added stress makes the engine more susceptible to overheating. Refer to your owner’s manual for your vehicle’s weight load limit.