Summer is the road trip season. Whether you're heading to the coast or the mountains or just planning a few weekend getaways, your car will be dealing with heat, long drives, and heavy loads. Before you pack the trunk and hit the highway, it’s important to make sure your vehicle is ready for the demands of summer travel.
Skipping a summer inspection can leave you stranded in the heat, stuck on the side of the road, or facing expensive repairs that could have been avoided. Here are five key reasons to schedule a summer checkup before your next trip.
1. High Temperatures Strain Your Cooling System
Your engine works hard year-round, but the summer heat pushes it even harder. The cooling system must manage the extra heat to keep everything running smoothly. If your radiator, water pump, coolant level, or hoses aren’t up to the task, you could be dealing with overheating before you’re even halfway to your destination.
During a summer inspection at our shop, we check your radiator, reservoir, cap, and coolant condition. We also look for signs of leaks, cracks in hoses, and corrosion that could compromise cooling efficiency. If there’s anything that could raise your temperature gauge, we’ll catch it before it becomes a problem.
2. A/C Performance Can Drop When You Need It Most
There’s nothing worse than driving through summer traffic with a failing air conditioner. If your A/C isn’t blowing cold air at idle, takes a long time to cool the cabin, or makes odd noises, it’s time for a closer look.
Our summer checkup includes a quick check of the temperature at the dash vents and a test of the system’s operation. Whether you’re dealing with a low refrigerant level or an aging compressor, we’ll help make sure your ride stays cool.
3. Belts and Hoses Are More Prone to Wear in Heat
Heat speeds up the aging process of rubber components like belts and hoses. If you haven’t had them inspected in a while, summer is the time to do it. A worn serpentine belt or a weak radiator hose can leave you broken down miles from home, often without warning.
As part of our seasonal inspection, we raise the vehicle on the hoist and inspect the belts, hoses, and exhaust system for wear, damage, or signs of deterioration. If something looks questionable, you’ll know before it fails, not after.
4. Tire Condition Affects Safety and Fuel Economy
Hot pavement, long drives, and underinflated tires are a recipe for blowouts. That’s why tire checks are a core part of summer maintenance. Low tire pressure can also hurt fuel economy and reduce handling, especially when your vehicle is fully loaded.
During your summer service, we inspect each tire for damage or uneven wear, set all tire pressures to spec, and even check your spare to see if it's accessible. We'll also make sure your jack and tools are in the vehicle, just in case.
5. Visibility and Wiper Function Matter More Than You Think
Summer thunderstorms can hit without warning. If your wiper blades are streaking, skipping, or squeaking, they’re not doing their job. Good visibility is key to safe driving, especially on unfamiliar roads during summer trips.
Our inspection includes wiper condition and washer fluid levels, along with a test of the washer system. If you need new blades or more fluid, we’ll take care of it so you can focus on the road ahead.
The Model Garage – Get Your Summer Road Trip Started Right in Berkeley, CA
At The Model Garage in Berkeley, we offer our Spring Into Summer inspection to make sure your vehicle is ready for the season. We check your cooling system, A/C operation, belts, hoses, wipers, tires, and more—all with the goal of giving you peace of mind before your next trip.
Schedule your visit today and drive into summer with confidence.