Whether you’re planning a weekend vacation or a cross-country road trip this summer, your vehicle should be prepared for the journey. There are a few things you need to keep in mind if you’re driving during warmer months. Before you embark, run through this checklist to make sure you and your car are prepared.

How to Make Sure Your Car Is Ready for Summer

Check the Air Conditioner

It’s hard to enjoy a car ride in the summer if your A/C is broken. Before you take off on a long trip, test out the air conditioner to ensure it is functioning properly. If the air doesn’t feel cool, or no air is coming out at all, it could mean one of several things:

  • Your vehicle needs more refrigerant
  • The air filters are dirty
  • The belt on your air conditioner is damaged

Luckily, fixing the air conditioner when you bring your car by the authorized VW service center at Jack Daniels Volkswagen to get your air conditioner running like new.

Pop Open the Hood

If you haven’t driven your vehicle for a while, it’s a good idea to open the hood and check out the moving parts that make your vehicle run. Check all fluids levels, including oil, coolant, and windshield wiper fluid.

When’s the last time your vehicle had an oil change? Do you need to add more coolant? Scheduling regular oil changes and routine maintenance is important during the summer, especially when you spend a lot of time behind the wheel.

While the hood is popped, look around for any worn, loose, cracked, or damaged hoses and belts. Be aware of any leaking or exposed components, and clear away any debris that could be blocking parts of the engine.

Test the Brakes

After a winter battling snow and ice, it is possible for your brakes to show signs of wear and tear — they might even be less responsive than you remember.

Test out the brakes before a long car trip. If you notice a delayed or slow reaction, it would be a good idea to take your vehicle to a mechanic for maintenance or brake replacements.

Prepare Your Vehicle for Summer in Fair Lawn, NJ

Find the appropriate services to summerize your vehicle at the Jack Daniels Volkswagen service center. And visit our used car dealership in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, to browse our inventory of Volkswagen models. Call (888) 620-9698 to learn more.