Summer in Eastern Washington is no joke. With temperatures regularly hitting the 90s and 100s across the Yakima Valley and Tri-Cities, your vehicle works harder than it does any other time of year. The good news is that a little preventive maintenance goes a long way — and the team at Speck CDJR is here to help make sure your car, truck, or SUV is ready for everything summer throws at it. Here are the most important things to check before the heat peaks.
Top Summer Car Care Tips
- Check Your Coolant & Cooling System — Your cooling system is your engine’s first line of defense against summer heat. Low or old coolant can lead to overheating — one of the most common and costly summer breakdowns. Have your coolant level and condition checked, and inspect hoses and belts for cracks or wear while you’re at it.
- Get an Oil Change — Motor oil breaks down faster in extreme heat, losing its ability to properly lubricate your engine. If you’re due for an oil change — or close to it — don’t put it off heading into summer. Fresh oil keeps your engine running cooler and more efficiently on long hot drives.
- Test Your Battery — Most people associate dead batteries with winter, but summer heat is actually harder on batteries than cold weather. High temperatures accelerate the chemical breakdown inside a battery and can cause it to fail without warning. If your battery is more than 3 years old, have it tested before the heat sets in.
- Service Your A/C System — A struggling A/C isn’t just uncomfortable — it can signal a refrigerant leak or a failing compressor. If your air isn’t blowing as cold as it used to, or if it takes a while to cool down the cabin, have your A/C inspected and recharged before the peak of summer. Yakima Valley heat is no time to discover your A/C is out.
- Top Off All Fluids — Summer heat affects more than just your coolant. Check and top off windshield washer fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid. Keeping all fluids at proper levels ensures every system operates as it should during the hottest months.
- Inspect Your Tires — Heat causes tire pressure to rise, which increases the risk of a blowout — especially on long highway drives. Check your tire pressure when tires are cold, inspect tread depth, and look for any sidewall cracking or bulging. Don’t forget to check your spare too.
- Check Your Brakes — If you’re planning any summer road trips through mountain passes or along hilly terrain, your brakes deserve a look before you go. Worn brake pads or low brake fluid can put you in a dangerous situation on a long downhill stretch. Our service team can inspect brake pad thickness and overall brake system health quickly.
- Replace Wiper Blades — Summer storms in Eastern Washington can pop up fast. Worn wiper blades streak and skip, making it hard to see clearly when you need to most. Wiper blades are inexpensive and quick to replace — an easy win for summer safety.
A Few Extra Summer Tips
Park in the shade when possible
A shaded spot reduces interior temps significantly and protects your dashboard and upholstery from UV damage over time.
Use a sunshade
A windshield sunshade can drop interior temps by 15–20°F and keep your steering wheel from becoming untouchable.
Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle
Water, a first aid kit, jumper cables, and a phone charger are summer road trip essentials — especially on rural Eastern Washington roads.
Never leave pets or kids in the car
Temperatures inside a parked car can exceed 140°F on hot days. Not even a few minutes is safe when it’s this hot outside.
Ready to get your vehicle summer-ready?
The service team at Speck CDJR in Sunnyside is here to help. From oil changes and A/C service to brake inspections and tire checks, we’ve got everything you need to stay safe and comfortable all summer long. Schedule your summer service appointment online or stop by — we’ll get you in and out and back on the road.
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the information presented. Any action you take based on the context of this blog is strictly at your own risk. Always consult a qualified professional or specialist for advice specific to your situation. We are not responsible for any losses or damages arising from the use of this blog or its content.
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