AC System Check
Test your AC before the first hot day — waiting until it is 90 degrees means longer wait times for repairs. Run the AC on max cold and check that the air from the center vents reaches at least 40 degrees below the outside temperature. If the air is not cold enough, the system may need refrigerant, have a leak, or have a component issue. AC service is faster and often less expensive in spring than mid-summer.
Coolant System Inspection
Summer heat puts maximum stress on your cooling system. Check coolant level and condition. If the coolant looks rusty, muddy, or has floating particles, it needs flushing. Check hoses for soft spots, bulges, or cracks — hoses deteriorate from the inside out, so they can look fine externally but fail without warning. Replace any hose that feels mushy when squeezed. Inspect the radiator for debris blocking airflow between the fins.
Need cleveland's local mechanic? Read the rest later.
Free written estimate. 12-month warranty. $10-down financing. Walk-ins welcome 7 days.
Switch from Winter Tires
If you are running winter tires, switch to all-season or summer tires by April. Winter tire rubber compound is designed for cold temperatures — in warm weather, it wears extremely fast and handling suffers. Store winter tires in a cool, dry place. Check your all-season tires for adequate tread depth and any pothole damage from the winter. This is also a good time for an alignment check after winter pothole season.
Battery Check
Paradoxically, summer heat causes more battery damage than winter cold. High under-hood temperatures accelerate the chemical degradation inside the battery. A battery weakened by summer heat then fails when cold weather demands maximum cranking power. Get your battery tested in late spring — if it is marginal, replace it before it leaves you stranded at the worst time.
Fluid Top-Off and Inspection
Check all fluid levels: engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid. Summer driving (longer trips, AC running, higher engine temps) puts more demand on all fluids. Also check the wiper blades — summer thunderstorms demand good visibility. At Nick's Tire & Auto, our summer readiness inspection covers all of these items plus a brake check, tire inspection, and belt and hose review.
RELATED SERVICES
Bring it in. We'll show you the problem before we fix it.
Free written estimate before any work. 12-month warranty on parts and labor. Free Uber within 5 miles if you drop off. Walk-ins welcome 7 days a week.
- 12-mo / 12,000-mi warranty
- $10-down financing available
- Most repairs same/next day
- Text updates throughout