Summer Maintenance Tips

Beat the heat with some Summer Maintenance

Summer Maintenance Tips in Beckley, WV

Summer has arrived in West Virginia and you know what that means: It’s time for a road trip! There’s no better feeling than the thrill of packing up the car and the family getting all buckled up. With the key in the ignition, you’re ready to go, but wait — your Honda won’t start. Car trouble can really throw your vacation plans off track, so that’s why the team here at John Howerton Honda is here to help! In fact, we decided to share some tips and tricks for summer maintenance that will make you have more fun during the sunny season rather than experience roadside breakdowns. After reading, if you find your car needs maintenance, don’t hesitate to schedule a service appointment with our expert technicians today!

Air Conditioning

Fire up your vehicle and switch on the air conditioning. It may take a moment for the system to cool down, but soon, you should feel cold air streaming from the vents. If the air doesn't feel cool or if the A/C seems to be malfunctioning, it's possible there's a leak causing the refrigerant levels to drop. Since summer comes with hot temperatures, addressing this issue promptly is essential for your comfort and safety. You can try to fix the leak yourself using a sealant, or better yet, bring your vehicle in for a service appointment and let our experienced team handle it efficiently.

Tire Condition

As we transition into the warmer months, it's a crucial time to give your tires a thorough check-up. Changes in temperature can significantly impact the pressure within your tires, causing them to inflate or deflate unexpectedly. Proper tire pressure is not only vital for prolonging the life of your tires but also for ensuring they perform optimally.

Begin by verifying that your tires are inflated to the PSI level recommended in your owner’s manual. While doing so, inspect the tires for any signs of nails or other debris that might have punctured them, potentially leading to slow leaks. Another simple but effective way to assess the condition of your tires is the penny test. Place a penny with Lincoln’s head upside down into the tread of each tire. If Lincoln's head remains visible, the tread is too worn, which could increase the likelihood of a blowout. Visit our tire store to purchase a high-quality new set which will ensure your safety and enhance your driving experience.

Fluid Levels

The fluids within your Honda are very important components that make your ride perform correctly and safely. This includes your oil, windshield wiper fluid, brake fluid, power-steering fluid and coolant. For the hotter season, coolant is crucial in preventing your engine from overheating. If you’re ever unsure of how to check any of these fluids, feel free to contact our team and we’ll examine them for you!

Windshield Wipers

Chances are your windshield wipers have been put to the test with the heavy rainfall and pollen of winter and spring. Such conditions can speed up the deterioration of your wipers. If you notice that they are no longer cleaning your windshield effectively or if they emit a loud squeaking sound as they move, it's likely time for a replacement.

Cabin Air Filter

The air quality inside your car, inhaled by you and your passengers, is kept clean by the cabin air filter. For continuous access to fresh air while driving, it’s essential to periodically replace this filter. Conveniently situated behind your glovebox, this filter is pretty easy to swap out yourself. Plus, we offer genuine OEM parts tailored to precisely fit your Honda. We’re here to assist you in selecting the ideal filter for your model, or if you prefer, our skilled service technicians are ready to install the replacement for you.

Other Vehicle Issues

If your Honda is facing significant issues like an overheating engine, a dead battery, squealing brakes or any other concerns highlighted by your dashboard lights, we strongly advise that you bring it in for service immediately. Our expert service team will conduct a comprehensive assessment to diagnose and resolve the issues swiftly and effectively. Additionally, we're here to address any questions you might have about your vehicle's condition and provide guidance on how to best prepare it for various weather conditions.

If you’d like to learn more about summer maintenance or have any other questions, contact us today or stop by John Howerton Honda at 252 Auto Plaza Drive, Beckley, WV 25801. We look forward to serving our customers near Lewisburg, White Sulphur Springs and Summersville.