Summer is finally here, which means we get to look forward to a few months of sunny, beautiful weather that is perfect for vacations and road trips. But have you considered how the summer heat can affect your vehicle? The heat, dust, and stop-and-go traffic of summertime can take a toll on your vehicle, leaving you at risk for developing a mechanical issue. That’s why we are offering a Free Summer Driving Safety Inspection at all of our Chicagoland Jiffy Lube® locations! Here is a list of the things that your technician will take a look at during your free inspection:
- Windshield Wipers
A dirty windshield is difficult to see out of, making you more likely to miss debris on the road. We’ll take a look at your wiper blades, and can replace them if they are worn. If you need new blades, we’ll even top off your windshield wiper fluid.
- Lights
Advances in light bulb technology in recent years may mean that your vehicle’s bulbs need replacing less frequently than in the past, but it is still important to inspect your lights periodically to ensure all are working correctly. It is also important to inspect headlight lenses for fogging, as this can reduce the range of your lights and make it more difficult to see at night. We’ll take a look at all of your lights, and can replace any that aren’t working properly.
- Air Filters
While oil filters get replaced with each oil change service, air filters typically need to be changed at mileage intervals specified in your manual by your manufacturer. Sometimes, however, road conditions such as excess dirt or dust can result in your air filter needing to be changed before the recommended time. During a vehicle inspection, we’ll check both your cabin and engine air filters. If they look overly dirty or worn, we can change it out for a new one. It’s an inexpensive process that helps to ensure optimal gas mileage and better engine performance.
- Tires
One of the most common maintenance tasks for vehicles is tire maintenance, which is why we have certain participating Chicagoland Jiffy Lube® locations that are specially equipped to address tire issues. During an inspection, we make sure to test your tire pressure to check if they are inflated correctly. Tires that are overinflated have less contact with the road, which means that they get less traction. It also means that the middle treads will wear down more quickly than the outer treads, which can drastically reduce the tires’ longevity. Tires that are instead overinflated have too much of the tread in contact with the road, which increases friction, and in turn increases heat build-up in the tread. Both of these issues will contribute to increased tire wear, and can even result in tread separation and blowouts. Maintaining the proper pressure is a quick and easy way to help to prevent these issues from occurring.
Another important part of tire maintenance are regular rotations and alignments. During an inspection, your technician will check if your tires are in need of a rotation to keep them wearing evenly. They will also check to see that your tires are aligned correctly with your steering wheel, as misaligned tires can make driving on slippery roads more dangerous as the vehicle can be more difficult to control.
- Fluid Levels
Your vehicle has a number of different fluids that are all responsible for keeping your engine and components running smoothly. Your technician will check all of your fluids, paying special attention to your cooling system. The biggest cause of summer breakdowns is overheating, which can happen when your coolant/antifreeze level is allowed to get too low, or if it is worn or dirty. We’ll take a look, top it off if necessary, and recommend a flush and refill if your fluid is worn or dirty.
- Brakes
Brakes play an important role in keeping you safe on the road. Worn out brakes can not only cause damage to your wheel components, it can also lead to not being able to brake to avoid debris or an accident. During your free inspection, your technician will inspect your brake pads for wear, and let you know when they should be replaced. They’ll also ensure that your brake fluid level is correct, and inspect it for any signs of wear or contamination.
- Battery
While vehicle batteries can work efficiently for two to five years, many factors can affect your battery life, from environmental conditions to how often your vehicle is used. Hot weather can actually shorten average battery life by as much as fifty percent, as the battery can get overheated and in extreme cases even crack. Often, you can get very little to no warning that a battery is beginning to fail. That is why we check your battery’s performance during your Summer Safety Vehicle Inspection. If the voltage falls outside of the normal parameters, you’ll know it is time to have your battery replaced.
Periodic vehicle inspections are an important part of vehicle maintenance, as they can help identify issues with your vehicle before they become a problem. If at any time you notice a sudden change in the way your vehicle runs or drives, it is best to come into your neighborhood Chicagoland Jiffy Lube® for an inspection as soon as you are able. Having annual inspections done, especially during the hot and dusty summer months, can help you keep ahead of required maintenance and avoid surprise repairs.
Jiffy Lube® recommends following manufacturer recommendations, where applicable, for maintenance schedules and service intervals.
Not all services are offered at each Jiffy Lube® location. Please check with your local Jiffy Lube® service center for specific services offered.