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Summer in Alberta can feel short, and most of us want to spend it outdoors. The last thing you want is a vehicle that lets you down when the sun finally shows up.
The good news is that a little seasonal maintenance goes a long way! Here are our top summer car maintenance tips to keep your vehicle running all season long.
Oil is your engine’s first line of defence, and the summer heat puts extra stress on it.
High temperatures cause oil to thin out faster and lose the ability to protect engine components effectively. We recommend an oil change every 8,000 km or six months, whichever comes first.
Read: How Often Should You Really Change Your Oil?
Overheating is one of the most common summer breakdowns, and it’s also one of the most preventable. Your coolant system keeps engine temperature in check, but only if fluid levels are adequate. Check the coolant reservoir when the engine is cold and top it up if needed.
On the road, keep an eye on your dashboard. Pull over if you see:
If the temperature doesn’t come down quickly after pulling over and turning off the AC, switch off the engine and call roadside assistance.
Tires are your vehicle’s only contact with the road, and hot pavement accelerates wear faster than most drivers expect. A 5°C to 6°C increase in temperature boosts tire pressure by about one PSI, and over-inflated tires on hot asphalt increase the risk of blowouts.
Before any summer road trip, check:
Running winter tires through Alberta’s summer degrades the rubber quickly, so we recommend switching to all-season, all-weather or summer tires.
Most people associate dead batteries with winter, but summer heat is equally damaging. High temperatures accelerate battery fluid evaporation and speed up corrosion on terminals.
If your battery is three years old or older, we recommend getting it tested. You can check the terminals for white or blue-green powder, which signals corrosion, and make sure connections are tight.
If the airflow from your AC feels weak or the cabin takes longer to cool down, it’s worth having the system checked. Common causes include low refrigerant, a clogged cabin air filter, or a worn compressor.
Worth knowing: running your AC increases fuel consumption by up to 20 percent. On mild days, cracking windows and letting the vehicle air out before getting in can give the AC a head start and reduce the load on your engine.
If you notice squealing, grinding, vibration through the brake pedal, or a longer stopping distance than usual, have your brakes inspected before heading out on your next summer road trip.
Also, if you plan to tow a boat or RV, make sure your brakes are in good shape before adding extra weight.
Read: 7 Signs Your Brakes Need Replacement
Alberta summer storms can arrive without much warning, and having effective wiper blades makes a big difference. Sun exposure hardens and cracks wiper blade rubber over time, and worn blades smear more than they clear.
Also swap your winter washer fluid for a summer formula, if you can. Winter fluid is designed for freeze resistance, not for clearing bugs and road grime at highway speed.
A clogged cabin air filter reduces the effectiveness of your air conditioning and can fill the interior with dust, pollen, and other allergens. If you can’t remember the last time yours was replaced, take this as your reminder to get it replaced at your next service appointment.
Direct summer sun fades upholstery and can overheat touchscreens and navigation displays. A reflective windshield sunshade is one of the easiest and most effective ways to manage cabin temperature when parked.
Applying a UV protectant to leather and vinyl surfaces also helps prevent cracking over time.
Even a well-maintained vehicle can run into trouble. Before any long drive, make sure you’re carrying:
Did you know that Toyota offers an Emergency Roadside Kit? Shop today at our Parts Centre.
If your vehicle is due for any of the above, our service team is ready to help.
West Edmonton Mall Toyota operates Canada’s largest Toyota service centre, with extended hours to fit your schedule, qualified technicians that service all makes and models, and a no-appointment-needed Express Oil Change service.
And here’s the part most dealerships can’t offer: while your vehicle gets looked after, you get to enjoy West Edmonton Mall. Grab lunch on BRBN St., catch a movie at Scotiabank Theatre, take the kids to the World Waterpark, or get some shopping done. By the time you’re done, your vehicle is too!
Book a service appointment online HERE or visit our Express Oil Change service — no appointment needed. Find us at 8882 170 St NW, Edmonton, inside West Edmonton Mall.
