Getting your Saab ready for summer is a lot easier and less expensive than it used to be. The summer months are quickly approaching, which means many families will be embarking on vacation getaways.
Summer travel and readying the Saab for trips can be the most stressful part of the vacation. Summer driving requires different things from your Saab. Learn what to check and change in your Saabto transition it from winter’s snow tires to summer performance.
Table of Contents
Cooling & AC Systems
An essential during the hot, sticky months of summer, while stuck in beach (or work) traffic. Make sure your Saab mechanic checks this out so your Saab doesn’t overheat. They will inspect the air flow around the radiator and the radiator cap—for cracks, and check the coolant levels. High temperatures can aggravate cooling system problems too. Low coolant level, leaking hoses and broken electric cooling fans can all result in overheating and expensive damage.
Switch Snow Tires for Summer Ones
If you’ve been using snow tires, switch them out for regular tires. This will give you a quieter, smoother ride. Also, you’ll want to check the air pressure in your tires to make sure it’s at the correct level. You may want to adjust it for the hotter operating conditions that we deal with in the summer. Having the proper air pressure in your tires will ensure you get the best gas mileage possible and make your tires last longer. Keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure not only improves fuel economy, but it also ensures that your car will handle optimally in any emergency maneuvers.
Air Conditioning
Before your air conditioning in your Saab quits cooling, you can inspect the system for worn or damaged belts. The belt on your air conditioner drives the compressor; without that, you won’t get any air conditioning inside your car. The air conditioner has a condenser that looks similar to a radiator. You can inspect the fins to be sure they are clear of debris. When air moves freely around the condenser, the refrigerant is able to do its cooling job better.
Check Your Brakes
Your brakes are the single most important safety feature on your Saab. Don’t put yourself or your family at risk this summer by riding around on worn down or faulty brakes. Here are some signs that your brakes need to be checked:
- Your brake pedal becomes very soft and mushy
- Your brake pedal is very hard and resistant
- Your brake pedal rests too low or too high
- Indication or warning lights on the dashboard
- Loud and constant scraping and grinding sounds coming from the brakes
Lights
Staying out late on those warm summer nights? Well-a-well-a-well-a huh… make sure all your lights are in proper working order and that there are no wiring problems. You or Your local Saab mechanic can check this, and for any corrosion on your battery’s terminals, which can sometimes cause electrical problems.
Check Hoses and Belts
The hoses connected to the radiator help pump coolant to and from the engine block, and the belts run the fan that helps cool the system further. If the hoses crack or the belts snap, the radiator will quickly overheat, leaving you stranded.Check hoses for cracks, leaks and loose connections. Hoses should be firm, never soft and malleable. Hoses suffer from a slow deterioration process called electrochemical degradation (ECD) that eats away at rubber hose material from the inside. The most vulnerable parts of the hose are those nearest to clamps where the hose connects to the radiator or the engine.
Battery
Wintertime is notorious for dead batteries and early morning jumpstarts. But the truth is that hot weather is even tougher on your battery. Summer heat can speed up the chemical reaction inside a battery, causing the battery to be overcharged. This can dramatically shorten the lifespan of your battery. Heat can also damage the battery by evaporating internal battery fluid. Check for any corrosion on the battery and any leaks.
Wipers
The summertime is notorious for sudden, violent thunderstorms. Downpours occur on those humid days, be sure your wiper blades are in good condition. Your local Saab specialist can recommend the best type of wiper blades for your Saab. Also, have your washer fluid checked and added if need be.
Plus – Summer Tavel Safety Tips
- Don’t overload
- Ba prepared parent
- Keep a clean view
- Ready the Roof Rack
- Known the Route
- Secure your Pets
- Cruise carefully
- Take a Break
