The summer is a great time to take your car out for a ride – The wind in your hair, beautiful weather, and exhilaration of speed is what every serious driver lives for. However, before you hit the road this summer, be sure that your car is adequately prepped to deal with the hot climate. Most cars are prone to overheating, especially during the summer climate. By properly caring for your engine, you can avoid being stuck in hot situations.

How Often to Change Your Oil

If you neglect to change your oil regularly, sludge will accumulate in your engine, greatly diminishing performance, gas mileage, and even causing premature engine failure. Oil changes are especially important in the summer months because oil is used quicker in hot weather.

It is recommended that you change your oil every 4-5 months or 4-5 thousand miles. In summer months, however, you may want to do an oil change every 3-4 months or 3-4 thousand miles. Changing your oil is especially important if you find yourself stuck in traffic in hot weather. Engine sludge accumulates around engine cylinders, pistons, and other engine surfaces – This results in damage to the engine and decreases performance. Also, don’t forget to change your oil filter when performing an oil change! The filter keeps dirt and other harmful materials out of the engine components – a clogged filter will greatly diminish engine performance.

Depending on the prevailing weather, one may choose either a lighter or heavier grade of … Read More ...