Family-Owned and Operated

Phoenix Auto Repair

(602) 404-6785
Mon - Fri: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sat: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Honest-1 Auto Care Paradise Valley
12621 N Paradise Village Parkway W.
Phoenix, AZ 85032

May E-Newsletter

Customers Ask Honest-1:

During my upcoming summer road trip, I want to be on the road instead of stuck beside it. Is there anything I can do right now to get my car ready for the grueling demands of the Arizona summer heat?

Yes, there sure is! Here are 6 Basic Summer Preparation Steps you can do right now that will keep you and your car ready for the summer sunshine!

  1. Check tires regularly for proper pressure and excessive wear
    Hot weather combined with underinflated tires or worn out tread can lead to disaster. Keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure not only improves fuel economy, but it also ensures that your car will handle optimally in an emergency and will help prevent blow-outs. Tire pressure specifications listed in your manual or inside driver door are for a cold tire therefore check pressures before you head out on the road.

    Look at your tires for any damage or excessive wear. An easy way to determine whether a tire has sufficient tread is to do a “penny test”. Insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head pointed down. If the tread does not cover Lincoln’s head, take your car to Honest-1 for a professional opinion as to your best options.
  2. Change your wiper blades
    Extreme changes in temperature can cause cracks, breaks and worn areas on your wiper blades that will often leave them ineffective in a summer monsoon. If you have not changed your blades in a year, now may be the time.

    Also check your wiper fluid. Summer driving not only brings some severe storms, but bugs are often in full force as well. Visibility is important!
  3. Check cooling systems
    A significant cause of breakdowns can be related to coolant problems and engines overheating. The cooling system is what keeps your vehicle’s engine running at the proper and safe temperature. Making sure your cooling system is flushed and filled properly with the ideal mixture of coolant and water is an important part of summer car maintenance.

    Check your manufacturer’s recommendations for your vehicle’s maintenance schedule and if a flush is needed or even getting close make an appointment.
    If your temperature gauge does move to the red, turn on your car’s heat immediately. Doing this pulls the strain away from the engine. Then pull over and let your engine cool down. Do not drive a hot engine.
  4. A/C Service Lately?
    If your car does not blow cool air or the air coming from the vents is not as cold as it used to be, the system could be low on refrigerant or have a slow leak. Getting it checked out before it becomes a problem will not only save you time and hassle but will prevent you from costly repairs later. There is nothing worse than being on the road during an Arizona summer without a fully functioning air conditioning system!
  5. Change oil on schedule and keep full
    Engine oil must be replaced at recommended intervals using the weight/viscosity of oil required by your vehicle's owner manual. Arizona driving typically falls into the "severe service" category. It is important to follow all maintenance intervals and recommendations.

    Honest-1 customer service advisors can help you choose the best oil for your car as well as give you options to help your car run the most efficiently.
    It is a good idea to check oil levels monthly. If you notice a drop in oil level or any small leaks, bring it in and let us check it out.
  6. Check the battery
    Unfortunately a battery gives little warning before it goes dead and can happen when you least expect it. Many Arizona batteries only last 2-3 years. If your battery is between 3-5 years old and you are setting off on a long trip, consider bringing it in to get it checked out before you leave. In addition, check for corrosion on posts and connections. Those corroded posts can also lead to light malfunctions or other electrical problems. Finally, have a pair of jumper cables in the trunk just in case. It is always best to be prepared!

No one wants an emergency to happen, but unfortunately they do. Being prepared by maintaining your car and keeping a keen eye out for any problems, will definitely save you time, money and hassle.

Before your summer vacation trips, come to Honest-1 for an inspection! Drive carefully and have a safe start to the summer season!

Honest-1 Auto Care Paradise Valley is committed to ensuring effective communication and digital accessibility to all users. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone, and apply the relevant accessibility standards to achieve these goals. We welcome your feedback. Please call Honest-1 Auto Care Paradise Valley (602) 404-6785 if you have any issues in accessing any area of our website.