Summer Maintenance Tips

Summer Maintenance Tips in Greenville, SC
There’s nothing better than letting the good times roll once summer has made its entrance. Is the car packed? Check. Family buckled in? Check. Car started? Oh no — the engine won’t start. There’s nothing worse than unexpected car problems delaying your road trip. That’s why the team here at Steve White Volkswagen has decided to compile a list of summer maintenance tips you should follow! If you find that your ride needs some TLC, don’t hesitate to schedule a service appointment with our expert technicians today and we’ll get you back on the road in no time!

Air Conditioning
First things first: Turn on your vehicle and start the air conditioning. If it takes a few minutes for cool air to blow through the vents, don’t worry — this is completely normal. However, if the air is never getting cold or the A/C isn’t working at all, this may be a sign that you have a small leak that is causing a low refrigerant level. Since you're living in South Carolina during the summertime, you’ll want to solve this issue as soon as possible. Ensure the safety of you and your passengers by repairing it with a leak sealant yourself or schedule a service appointment with our skilled technicians to take care of it!

Tire Condition
At the start of every new season, it’s crucial to check on the pressure of your tires since changing temperatures can cause them to lose or gain pressure. Stay on top of this service since underinflated tires often wear out more quickly. Refer to your owner’s manual to see what the correct PSI is for your specific model, and visit an air pump at your local gas station to fill them up. You’ll also need a tire pressure gauge to monitor how much air you’re pumping into each tire.
While you’re filling your tires with air, check to make sure there aren’t any nails or debris sticking in your tires and causing a slow leak. In addition, we suggest conducting the penny test to examine the tread depth of your tires. Simply insert a penny with Lincoln’s head upside down — if you can still see his head, it may be time for a new set. Try to get this issue resolved as soon as possible since overworn tires are prone to blowouts. Let us come to the rescue — visit our tire center and we’ll hook you up with a quality set of new tires.

Fluid Levels
With a new season, you’ll also want to check and see if your car’s fluids need a top off. This includes your oil, windshield wiper fluid, brake fluid, power-steering fluid and coolant. For the hot summer months, coolant is one of the most important fluids since it helps prevent your engine from overheating. If you’re ever unsure of how to check these various fluids, visit our service center and we’ll be happy to check them for you!

Windshield Wipers
Over the course of winter and spring, your windshield wipers have most likely been used frequently due to heavy rains and pollen accumulation. This extra usage can cause your wipers to wear out more quickly. If you ever notice your windshield wipers aren’t effectively clearing your view anymore or they’re making unpleasant noises as they pass over the glass, you may need a replacement set.

Cabin Air Filter
Your cabin air filter in your Volkswagen is what keeps clean air circulating within the interior of your vehicle. That’s why it’s imperative that you regularly change this filter to ensure the safety of you and your passengers. This part is typically located behind your glove compartment, so it’s not too much of a hassle to replace it yourself. Plus, we’re stocked with genuine OEM parts (including air filters), so we can help you find the perfect fit for your model. However, our technicians are happy to take this responsibility off your hands and replace the filter for you!

Other Vehicle Issues
If you notice your Volkswagen experiencing more major issues such as an overheating engine, a dead battery, squealing brakes or any other problems your dashboard lights are indicating, we urge you to bring your vehicle into our service center as soon as you can. Our team is equipped to efficiently investigate, diagnose and repair your vehicle in order to get you back on the road in no time! Additionally, we’re also here to answer any additional questions you have about your model’s condition and how to best prepare it for all types of weather.
If you’d like to learn more about summer maintenance or have any other questions, contact us today or stop by Steve White Volkswagen at 100 Duvall Drive, Greenville, SC 29607. We look forward to serving our customers near Asheville, NC, and Columbia, Spartanburg, Anderson, SC, and the Upstate.