We often times hear of the need to “winterize” our vehicle, but we don’t as readily receive information about the importance of getting our vehicles ready for the summer months. In St. Louis the summer heat can be brutal and the effects it can have on your vehicle can be equally harmful if you don’t take the proper steps to prepare in advance. A little bit of time making this happen can add years to the life of your vehicle and can save you money so you can continue taking those summer vacation trips that your family loves.
According to edmunds.com there are many things you can do to get your vehicle prepared for the summer heat. Their first tip is to invest in two sets of tires; one set of winter tires and one set of summer tires. While doing this, you should also check your tire pressure and make sure you are operating at quality levels. This will reduce the wear and tear on your treads and will save you from having to replace your tires as often. Next, they recommend changing the oil you use in your vehicle and adjust the viscosity grade. Oils come in different thickness levels and for the summer months you should run your engine with thicker oil so that as it gets hot and becomes thinner it will still run at optimal levels. You should also complete inspections on parts such as; belts and hoses, wipers and fluids, your battery, and coolants and antifreeze mixtures. Lastly, you should make sure your car is equipped with an emergency kit that would keep you safe in case of a breakdown in hot weather.
To get your new or used car ready for the St. Louis summer heat, contact your local Toyota service department today.













Aging Tires Cause Accidents
According to edmunds.com and old tire can be compared to an old rubber band. As it gets old it begins to crack and eventually breaks very easily. Sometimes these cracks can be seen from the outside of a tire, and sometimes they are concealed on the inside, which is why choosing to buy a used tire can be a bad decision. While you may think it looks like a great tire for a cheap price, it could be 10 years old and you wouldn’t be able to know by first glance. Manufacturers differ in their opinion of how long a tire lasts. Some say six years, and other say up to ten with proper maintenance. You should also consider the life-span of your spare tire, which can often times be forgotten.
The bottom line is that this is not a gamble worth taking. Contact your local St. Louis Weiss Toyota service department and make an appointment to get your tires checked out.