As the weather heats up in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, it's important to make sure your vehicle is prepared to handle the summer months ahead. Routine maintenance is key to keeping your car running smoothly, safely and efficiently throughout the changing seasons. At Latrobe Auto Group, we recommend bringing your vehicle in for service to get it ready for warm weather driving.
Oil and Filter Change
Regularly changing your oil and oil filter is one of the most important things you can do to prolong the life of your engine. Over time, oil breaks down and becomes less effective at lubricating and cooling engine components. This is especially true in hot weather, when high temperatures can cause oil to degrade more quickly. Most manufacturers recommend changing conventional oil every 3,000-5,000 miles, or synthetic oil every 6,000-8,000 miles. Check your owner's manual for your vehicle's specific oil change intervals.
Tire Rotation and Pressure Check
Proper tire maintenance is critical for both safety and performance. Regularly rotating your tires helps them wear evenly, which prolongs tread life and improves handling. It's generally recommended to rotate tires every 5,000-8,000 miles. While you're at it, have your tire pressure checked. Driving on underinflated or overinflated tires can reduce fuel economy, cause uneven wear, and even lead to a dangerous blowout—an especially high risk on hot summer pavement. Greensburg drivers should check their tire pressure at least once a month.
Brake Service
Your brakes are your car's most important safety feature, so it's critical to make sure they are in top condition. Summer's hotter temperatures, high speeds, and frequent stop-and-go traffic can all put additional strain on your braking system. Warning signs it's time for service include squeaking, grinding, vibrating, or a "squishy" brake pedal. However, you shouldn't wait for problems to arise. Have your brakes inspected at every oil change, and replace brake fluid every 2-3 years to prevent moisture buildup that can cause corrosion.
Air Conditioning Check-Up
There's nothing worse than getting caught with a broken air conditioner on a sweltering summer day. If your AC hasn't been performing up to par, now is the time to have it inspected before the real heat hits. A trained technician can identify any leaks, recharge refrigerant if needed, and make sure all components like the compressor, condenser and evaporator are working properly. Catching small AC issues early can help prevent more expensive repairs down the road.
Fluid Checks and Top-Offs
In addition to oil, your car relies on a variety of specialized fluids to function properly—things like coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid and transmission fluid. Extreme heat can cause these fluids to break down more quickly, which can lead to performance issues and even cause damage to related systems. Whenever you bring your car in for an oil change or other routine service, have your fluids checked and topped off as needed. Flushing and refilling coolant, brake fluid and transmission fluid is also recommended at certain mileage intervals—check your service manual for specifics.
Schedule Auto Service near Greensburg
Taking the time to properly prepare your vehicle with routine seasonal maintenance will help ensure a safe and carefree summer on the road. And there's no greater peace of mind than getting professional service from a trusted, reputable source. Ready to get your car summer-road-trip ready? Schedule an appointment at the Latrobe Auto Group service center today. Our expert technicians will make sure your vehicle is in peak condition to beat the heat. With our state-of-the-art facility and unparalleled customer care, we make auto maintenance almost as enjoyable as that summer getaway you've been dreaming about.