For starters, with the warmer weather fast approaching, hopefully the vehicle you will be driving has air conditioning. That said, it is a good idea to get a head start on checking that the a/c is in fact working prior to any road trips, as well as during your daily commute. If you find it isn’t, it is advisable to have it fixed as soon as possible to ensure you are staying comfortable while on the go this summer.

In addition to the air conditioning working, you’ll also need to have the car’s cooling systems inspected. When exposed to hot summer weather, vehicles are more at risk of overheating. For this step, you’ll want to be sure to have the existing coolant flushed out and refilled.  While this can be done on your own, it is also advised to check with a mechanic to ensure that this element of your car is completely up-to snuff so you can head out on the road with out this added worry.

Next on the list is to examine all four of your vehicle’s tires. It is best to inspect the tire pressure as well as to have them rotated, with proper alignment on a regular basis. It is especially important to do this once more before you head out for a longer road trip this summer.

This also serves as a good reminder to have your snow tires removed, if you haven’t already done so. Since the hot weather can damage and wear down the rubber more quickly than cooler temperatures do, having all seasonal or season appropriate tires is recommended to help meet the demands of the hot pavement and warmer temperatures.

Summer weather across BC and most of Canada is also known for rain  – and plenty of it at times. Heavy thunderstorms, as well as precipitation pf saying degrees can appear suddenly, so having your windshield wipers working properly is also critical to summer driving.

If while inspecting the wipers, you notice any wear and tear, it is a good idea to have them replaced to ensure that your visibility is not hindered when behind the wheel.

At the same time, you can check that the wiper fluid is topped up with the correct fluid for the season (not winter fluid) and that way, you won’t run the risk of running low on washer fluid midway through your outgoing.

One final method of taking proper care of your vehicle during the hottest time of the year is to keep it safe from harmful sun rays. With the sun being at its most damaging during the summer months, your car can also be impacted if left unprotected.

To help prevent damage to the interior elements, such as the seats and dashboard, you can apply wax to act as a barrier or sunscreen. Another way to safeguard the interior from heat damage is to use a windshield cover to keep your car more shaded and cooler while parked directly or partially in the sun.

Summer can be an exciting time to explore the open roads, whether you are heading out on vacation or a daily jaunt here or there. To help beat the heat and protect your vehicle from the extreme summer temperatures, it is important to prepare for this ahead of time.

Making sure that you have the best insurance policy for summer driving should be a top priority. By continuing to have a strong relationship with your insurance team, you can make the most of your car insurance as well as other insurance requirements.

At Leaders Insurance, we can’t wait to assist you with your vehicle insurance needs and to help prepare you for all of the adventures that await you this summer.