Is Your Car Ready for Summer? Here Is What You Might Be Missing

Summer in Boston is a time for weekend getaways, family road trips, and finally rolling down the windows. But rising temperatures also bring added stress to your car—from overheating engines to worn-out tires. We are here to make sure you are not caught off guard. If you are planning on putting miles on your vehicle this summer, here is what to take care of first.

A/C Not Blowing Cold? Let’s Fix That

If your air conditioning feels more like a fan than a cooler, it is time to act. A failing A/C system can make even short drives unbearable.

What we will check:

• Refrigerant levels
• Cabin air filter
• Compressor and hoses
• Overall system performance

Pro tip: If your A/C smells musty, it could be a dirty cabin filter or mold in the vents. We can help with both.

Avoid Overheating with a Cooling System Check

Hot engines can lead to breakdowns—and no one wants that on I-93 in July. Your cooling system needs to be at 100% to handle the heat.

We will inspect:

• Coolant levels and quality
• Radiator, hoses, and belts
• Water pump and thermostat

When to schedule: If it has been more than two years since your last coolant flush.

How Are Your Tires Holding Up?

Summer heat and road trips can accelerate tire wear. Combine that with Boston potholes, and you have got a recipe for trouble.

Common things to check:

• Tread depth check
• Air pressure adjustment
• Tire rotation and alignment
• Spare tire check (just in case)

Warning sign: If your steering wheel vibrates at highway speeds, alignment might be off.

Your Battery Hates the Heat Too

Most people think of dead batteries in the winter—but heat is just as dangerous. Extreme temperatures speed up corrosion and battery drain.

During your visit, we can:

• Test battery voltage
• Check terminal connections
• Replace if needed

Pro tip: Batteries over 3 years old are more likely to fail during summer heat waves.

Keep Fluids Fresh—Especially Your Oil

Heat can thin your oil, making it less effective at protecting your engine. The same goes for other critical fluids.

We will top off or replace:

• Engine oil and filter
• Brake, transmission, and power steering fluids
• Windshield washer fluid

Timing: If your last oil change was over 5,000 miles ago, now is the time.

Get Your Car Summer-Ready at Morrison’s Auto-Rite

From daily commutes to beach weekends, your car works hard in the summer. Keep it running smoothly with seasonal maintenance at Morrison’s Auto-Rite, your go-to auto repair shop in Jamaica Plain. Book your summer checkup today.