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Obviously each season brings different weather into the area, but with that weather comes different preparations for our wardrobe, home, and vehicles. Summer, with the warmer temperatures, more intense hours of sun, and increased percentage of vacations, means your vehicle has different needs. Pitt Stop Detail & Auto Sales can help you prepare your car for more fun in the sun.

• Wash and shine. The sun, with its harmful UV rays, can do a number on the exterior of your paint. While regular washing will help remove dirt, debris, and grime, a protective coat, like a wax or a ceramic coating, will provide even more protection to your car and help maintain a glossy shine. 
• Protect the inside. Even with tinted windows, the interior of your vehicle can be vulnerable to repeated exposure to the extreme heat of the sun. Try to park in shaded or covered areas when possible and use a windshield cover when parked during errands. This will keep your car a little cooler, but it will also protect your seats, dash, and steering wheel from cracking over time. You can protect the interior with a conditioning cleaner or wipes too. 
• Check over your vehicle. While heat is definitely part of summer, we also have many years when we see an increase in storms and other large rain systems passing our way. Checking that your lights are functioning and your front and rear wipers are in good shape can keep you and others safe on the road during these rain events. You may also need to check your tire pressure as the shift from cooler temperatures to warmer can require a slight change in those numbers. 
• Test your battery. While this can be included in general maintenance for your car, we wanted to take note that checking your battery is crucial during the summer months. According to AAA and Firestone, “heat is the number one cause of battery failure and reduced battery life”. There is an increase in the acceleration of fluid loss and more oxidation that takes place which can lead a battery to failing and you stranded on the side of the road. 
• Get summer road trip ready. It can be a family right of passage to go on a road trip, whether it is a few hours to the coast or knocking off several states from your bucket list. There are several recommendations for getting your vehicle road trip ready, including a general check of fluids, air pressure, and road readiness. We also recommend having a few basic cleaning supplies on hand for road trip spills and keeping the car tidy as you go. This will help keep your car in tip top shape while increasing your enjoyment of your long planned vacation time. 
• Roadside assistance. Now would be a great time to check if you have the roadside assistance you need. Whether it is attached to your vehicle through an online program or tacked on to your auto insurance, becoming familiar with what you may already have can be helpful. This can also save you money if you need help changing a tire or if you need your vehicle towed for any reason. 

Part of your summer preparation can be aided by Pitt Stop Detail & Auto Sales as we clean your interior and exterior, provide that protective coating you are looking for, and help replace your lights and wipers. We offer a number of different services to get your car looking perfect for summer driving. Contact us today.