How to Prepare Your Car For the Alberta Summer
How to Prepare Your Car For the Alberta Summer
Posted on March 17, 2025
After a typically temperamental few months of Chinook-filled winters, you might be wondering if it's finally time to prep your car for the Alberta summer. Much like the colder seasons, it's important to ensure that your vehicle is properly equipped to handle hotter temperatures, which extends beyond simply removing your winter tires. In this guide, we'll share a few essential tips for preparing your car for the summer, including car maintenance like checking tire pressure, fluid levels, and air conditioning. Read on to bring in the Stampede season properly!
Key Takeaways
- Ensure your car is prepared for summer heat by checking tire pressure, swapping winter tires for summer ones, and inspecting for any tire damage to prevent blowouts.
- Test and maintain your air conditioning system to ensure it provides cool air during hot drives, and replace any worn-out wiper blades for clear visibility.
- Regularly inspect essential fluids, brakes, and battery health before embarking on long road trips, and consider a professional inspection for added peace of mind.
- Protect your vehicle's paint from summer elements like tree sap and bird droppings by applying a UV protectant wax coating and washing your car regularly.
- Update your emergency kit with summer-specific items such as sunscreen and a first-aid kit, alongside essentials like emergency flares and a rain poncho, to be ready for any situation during your travels.
Beating the Heat in the Sunshine Province
The city of Calgary comes alive in the summer, as do many other towns in the province.
Summer in Alberta is a time for fantastic weather, with temperatures often climbing into the mid-twenties Celsius and sometimes even reaching over 40°C in the southern areas. These hot conditions can be tough on your new car, SUV, or truck, so getting it ready for the heat is a must.
The rising temperatures during summer can lead to several car issues if not addressed, like engine overheating and tire blowouts. Taking the time to prepare your vehicle for these conditions helps ensure both your safety and its longevity.
Alberta's weather can quickly switch from hot sunny days to sudden summer storms, so being prepared for any weather is key. Whether you're transitioning from winter or gearing up for a road trip to the mountains, knowing how to get your car ready for summer's changing conditions is essential.
Check Tire Pressure and Condition
Keeping an eye on your tire pressure is crucial, yet it's something many of us tend to overlook. Make it a habit to check it monthly, especially before any long road trips, to ensure your tires are inflated just right for safe summer driving. It's best to check the tire pressure when they're 'cold,' ideally after your car has been parked for a few hours. You can find the recommended pressure on a label inside the driver's door.
With warmer weather, it's time to swap out those winter tires for summer ones, which excel in temperatures above 7°C. Also, give your tires a once-over for any cracks, bald spots, or bubbles to avoid any unexpected blowouts. If you notice anything that needs repair, visit one of our tire shops immediately to get yourself repaired or opt for a brand-new set!
And don't forget about the spare tire! Make sure it's properly inflated and has enough tread depth. Regularly checking on your spare can save you from being stranded during your summer adventures.
Test and Maintain Air Conditioning
The Kaizen Automotive Group's many dealerships around Alberta offer a variety of vehicles equipped with high-quality air conditioners.
Few things are worse than discovering your air conditioning isn’t working as you peel out of the city to enjoy some Albertan nature. Before you hit the road, check the temperature and airflow at the vents; ideally, the AC should leaving your car's temperature sitting at around 22-25°C, providing you with cool air.
If the AC is blowing cool air, it might need a refrigerant recharge or a mechanic’s attention. A can of refrigerant can often fix minor issues, but inspect for refrigerant leaks if cooling performance decreases.
Maintaining your air conditioning system and cooling system isn’t just about comfort; it’s important for overall car care. Running the AC during colder weather keeps it lubricated and prevents seal deterioration, ensuring it’s ready for summer heat.
Inspect Brakes
Your brakes are one of the most vital safety features of your vehicle, and keeping them in top shape is essential. Regularly check your brake pads and rotors for any signs of wear or damage to maintain optimal braking performance. If your brake pads are worn out, it can seriously compromise your stopping power, so be sure to replace them when necessary.
During Alberta's hot summer months, high temperatures can worsen brake fluid issues, potentially causing it to boil and leading to hydraulic failure. Make sure your brake fluid levels are sufficient, and keep an ear out for any unusual noises like scraping or grinding. These sounds might indicate that your brakes need immediate attention. Staying on top of brake maintenance will help ensure your safety, whether you're just headed to the mountains or making a longer trek up to Edmonton or further.
Top Off Essential Fluids
Our body shop techs have all the knowledge on what your car needs to run smoothly.
Maintaining the right fluid levels is a straightforward aspect of keeping your car in top shape. Ignoring your coolant levels can lead to engine overheating, particularly during those long summer drives across Alberta. Aim for a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water to keep your engine cool.
Don't forget to check other key fluids like oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Regularly topping these off can help extend your vehicle's life and ensure it runs smoothly. For an accurate oil reading, wait about 10 minutes after turning off your car before checking.
Replace Wiper Blades and Check Visibility
Even if there aren't flurries blocking your view, maintaining good visibility is still something to keep aware of during the summer months, particularly given the chance of hitting a sudden summer storm on your journey (which can some significant damage if you're not prepared).
Take a look at your windshield wipers for any signs of wear and tear, like cracks, splits, or tears. If they’re leaving streaks or making noises like smearing, skipping, or chittering, it’s time for a replacement. Alberta’s summer storms can hit unexpectedly, so having functional wipers is crucial.
Also, give all your vehicle lights a quick check. This includes the front, tail, reverse, turn signals, high beams, and fog lights. Make sure they’re all working properly. If you find any burned-out or dim bulbs, swap them out to keep your visibility sharp and safe on those long Alberta drives.
Inspect Battery Health
Keeping your car battery in top shape is key for those smooth summer trips into the Rockies. Regularly check for any signs of wear and tear, and take note of its age to gauge its reliability. To prevent corrosion and maintain a solid connection, clean the battery terminals with a mix of baking soda and water.
Keep an eye on the battery's charge indicator to see how it's holding up. If it hasn't been used in a while, consider recharging or replacing it to avoid any hiccups. Since high temperatures can reduce a battery's lifespan, it's even more important to stay on top of checks during the summer months.
Clean and Protect Vehicle's Paint
No matter how good you're eating in Alberta, there's always a bird around that's eating better, trust us.
With all the life returning to the city post-winter, some of you might want to show off with a shiny new Chevrolet or Cadillac, but beware! Summer can be harsh on your vehicle’s paint, whether it's tree sap, bugs, road dust, or those pesky magpies leaving presents on your windshield. All of these can cause corrosive damage, and frequent car washing helps to prevent this, keeping your car looking its best.
Give your car's paint some extra love by applying a UV protectant wax coating. This shields it from the sun's harsh rays, preventing any fading, drying, or cracking. Keeping up with regular cleaning and maintenance will ensure your vehicle's exterior stays in top shape all summer long.
Update Emergency Kit
An updated emergency kit is essential for summer road trips, and the inclusions differ slightly from what you'd expect of a winter emergency kit. These include items like emergency flares, a rain poncho, a flashlight, and water, all of which can be extremely useful in unexpected situations.
Add summer-specific items like sunscreen and a first-aid kit to your emergency kit. Being prepared for summer travel’s unique challenges ensures you can handle any situation with confidence, especially if you're a fan of camping across Alberta's many provincial parks.
Check Drive Belts and Hoses
Regularly checking drive belts and hoses is crucial to avoid breakdowns. Inspect hoses for cracks, leaks, and loose connections, and check belts for visible cracks or damage. Look for softness and malleability in hoses and worn conditions in belts.
Cracked hoses or snapped belts can cause severe issues like radiator overheating, leading to breakdowns. Ensuring these components are in good condition is vital before hitting the road.
Change Air Filters
Changing air filters is often overlooked but significantly impacts vehicle performance. A cabin air filter prevents debris from clogging the AC system and should be regularly checked or replaced. A clean cabin air filter improves indoor air quality, especially important during hot summer months.
The engine air filter is equally important, maintaining optimal airflow and improving gas mileage. Checking and replacing dirty air filters can enhance fuel economy and ensure a smooth ride, whether you're heading out for a long drive through the Prairies or just stepping out to run some errands.
Get a Professional Inspection
Stop by any one of our body shops around the Calgary area or northern Alberta and let our techs take care of your car maintenance.
Before any summer road trips, a professional inspection is crucial. Stopping by our dealers' body shops allows one of our experienced technicians to check all aspects of your car’s readiness, including critical systems like air conditioning and brakes, providing peace of mind and confirming your car’s good condition before you hit the road.
For Alberta drivers, it's essential to have your car inspected, especially with our summer heat. Make sure the battery gets a thorough check, particularly if you've opted for a used model, as high temperatures can really shorten its lifespan. Having a professional look over your vehicle can help catch potential issues before they become bigger problems, ensuring you're ready for those scenic drives through the Rockies or trips to the Stampede.
Trust Kaizen Auto for All Your Car Maintenance Needs
The open road is calling, make sure your car is ready to answer!
Remember that getting your car ready for those summer road trips in Alberta is about more than just comfort—it's about safety and dependability. Whether you're checking the tire pressure, topping off fluid levels, or giving the brakes and air conditioning a once-over, each step is key to a hassle-free drive.
By following these tips, you'll ensure your vehicle is primed for the summer heat and ready to tackle Alberta's open roads without a hitch. Plus, for any other tips or personal help, you can always contact us to speak to one of our techs one-on-one. So, gear up, pack your bags, and get set for an unforgettable summer adventure across the beautiful landscapes of Alberta!