May in Marin County means summer is basically here. The fog burns off earlier, the hills are turning golden, and people are spending way more time on the roads — heading to Stinson Beach, driving up to Point Reyes, or making the most of the beautiful weather. Before you go all-in on summer driving, let’s make sure your car is ready for it.
Here’s the full rundown.
Cooling System: Priority Number One
Heat is your engine’s enemy. In summer, your cooling system works overtime to keep things from overheating. That means your coolant needs to be fresh, your radiator cap needs to seal properly, and your radiator hoses need to be in good shape.
Coolant breaks down over time — it loses its ability to prevent corrosion and manage heat effectively. Most manufacturers recommend flushing and replacing it every two to five years. If you’re not sure when yours was last done, it’s worth checking.
Tire Pressure Goes Up in the Heat
Here’s something people don’t always know: tire pressure increases as temperatures rise. For every 10 degrees of temperature increase, your tires gain about 1 PSI. That means if your tires were slightly over-inflated in the cooler months, they could be too firm in the heat. Over-inflated tires reduce traction and wear unevenly.
Check your tire pressure when the tires are cold, and compare to the recommended spec on your door sticker. It takes two minutes and it matters.
Brake Fluid: The Summer Concern
Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time. When it gets hot — like during a long summer drive with a lot of braking — moisture in the fluid can vaporize and cause what’s called “brake fade.” That means reduced braking performance right when you need it most. If your brake fluid is more than two years old, a flush is a smart move before summer.
Engine Air Filter and Cabin Air Filter
Both of these should be on your spring/summer checklist. The engine air filter keeps debris out of your engine. The cabin air filter keeps the air inside your car clean and helps your AC run efficiently. Both get dirty and both should be checked annually.
Check Your Serpentine Belt
Heat accelerates belt wear. A cracked or fraying serpentine belt can snap, and when it does, you’ll lose power steering, the alternator, and the water pump all at once. Not a fun situation. If your belt has visible cracks or it’s been over 60,000 miles, have it inspected.
Plan Ahead for Summer Maintenance
Summer is our busy season at Easy Automotive. If you want to get in before the wait times grow, May is the smart time to book. We’ll do a complete inspection and take care of anything that needs attention before the warmest months hit.
Come see us at 747 Lincoln Ave in San Rafael — your car’s ready-for-summer headquarters.