In Case You Forgot…

By Kelly Balamuth on June 11, 2018

You may recall a little scenario from our blog last March that went something like this: You’re at the drugstore to pick a common household item, perhaps eye drops or toothpaste, and you notice that the seasonal aisle is full of summertime items, like beach towels and sunscreen. It’s at that moment that you realize summer is in the not-too-distant future.

The post went on to suggest that seeing this display is a reminder to get your vehicle ready for summer.

But the question is: Did you?

We’re smack in the middle of summer now, and if you didn’t heed our gentle advice, take heart! There’s still time to get your car or truck acclimated to what remains of summer and the heat of early fall. In addition to checking your tires, changing the oil and oil filter, and removing any road salt that may be lingering on your car, here are a few other things you can do today to ensure your vehicle is in tip-top shape for next few months.

Your Coolant Should Be Just That: Cool

Most auto parts stores are equipped with a coolant tester that will tell you if the water–ethylene glycol ratio is in need of adjustment to provide ultimate cooling. You should change your coolant once a year, and right now is great time to do it. But if you spill a little on the ground at home, be sure that your dog is not around—dogs love the sweet flavor of the glycol, but it’s toxic, so don’t let them lap it up.

Take a Look at Your Brake Fluid

Healthy brakes are an essential safety feature and you should stay on top of it. The brake fluid is in a translucent reservoir near the base of the windshield. It should be clear and close to the full line. If it’s dark and grimy, it should be flushed out by a mechanic. Brake fluid is highly poisonous, so it’s best to let the pros deal with it. Failure to maintain clean brake fluid can lead to poor brake performance, or even total brake failure.

Make Time for the Little Things

While you’re at it, now is a good time to fix the little things. Maybe you’ve got an irritable door ding, or a stubborn window that won’t roll up smoothly, or something rattling around in the trunk. Spend an afternoon giving your sweet ride a little TLC. You’ll be happy you did.

The downside of not grooming your vehicle for the proper season is that it can lead to an unsafe car on the road, and some drivers simply don’t take care of their cars. If you or someone you love has been the victim of another driver’s negligence, you may have a right to compensation for any damages. Call the legal team at Balamuth Law at (925) 254-1234 today for a free consultation.