Summer Prep: How to Get Your Vehicle Ready for the Heat
by Terry Pritchard
Summer is just around the corner, and while you're making plans for beach trips, road adventures, or off-road excursions, don’t forget to get your vehicle ready for the rising temperatures. Heat, humidity, and long drives can take a toll on your ride if you're not prepared. Here’s your essential summer prep checklist to keep your vehicle running cool and looking hot all season long.
Check Your Cooling System
One of the biggest challenges for any vehicle in summer is staying cool. Overheating can lead to major engine damage, especially if you’re stuck in traffic or hitting trails.
- Inspect coolant levels and top off if necessary.
- Flush your radiator if it’s been more than two years.
- Check for cracked hoses or leaks that could compromise cooling efficiency.
- Make sure your radiator fan is functioning properly.
Test the A/C System
Comfort is key when the temperatures soar.
- Test your air conditioning for cooling strength.
- Replace the cabin air filter if airflow feels weak or smells musty.
- If it’s blowing warm air, you might need a refrigerant recharge or to inspect for leaks.
Upgrade Your Lighting
Longer daylight hours are great, but summer adventures often go into the evening. Now’s the perfect time to upgrade your lighting for better visibility and a sharper look. Under body or rock lights really make a statement after the late sunset!
- Install high-performance LED headlights for better brightness and efficiency.
- Add fog lights or ditch lights for off-road or rural drives.
- Consider RGB accent lighting to show off your summer style at meets and events.
- If you're hitting the beach or backroads, look into IP-rated lights that can handle sand, water, and dirt.
Check Your Electrical System
Hot weather can put extra strain on your vehicle’s electrical components. Before you hit the road or trail this summer, make sure your battery, wiring, and connections are in top shape.
- Remove corrosion on terminals
- Check for loose connections,
- Check battery life; a battery can leave you stranded when the temps rise.
- Test alternator
If you've installed aftermarket lighting or accessories, double-check that everything is drawing the correct power and protected by proper fuses or relays. This is especially important for off-roaders who rely on lighting, recovery gear, and communications equipment in remote locations.
Pro Tip: Consider adding a Trigger Control System to manage your lighting and electrical systems.
Inspect Tires and Pressure
Hot pavement puts extra stress on your tires, and incorrect tire pressure can lead to blowouts.
- Check your tire tread depth to ensure safe grip.
- Make sure your spare tire is in good condition.
- Inflate your tires to the recommended PSI—remember, tire pressure increases with heat!
Top Off Fluids
Summer heat causes fluids to evaporate or break down faster. Keep an eye on:
- Engine oil – consider switching to a summer-grade oil if towing or off-roading.
- Coolant (don’t overfill the overflow reservoir)
- Transmission fluid
- Brake fluid
- Power steering fluid
- Windshield washer fluid – bugs are more frequent in summer!
Protect Your Interior
Sun damage can crack dashboards and fade upholstery. Keep your cabin in top shape with:
- Sunshades or UV-protective tinting
- Protective sprays for leather or vinyl surfaces
- Floor mats to catch sand and mud from your summer adventures
Clean and Detail Your Vehicle
A good wash not only makes your ride look fresh—it also removes pollen, salt, or bugs that can damage paint.
- Wash and wax to protect against UV rays.
- Clean undercarriage if you’ve driven through sand or saltwater.
- Don’t forget to clean light lenses for maximum brightness.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're planning road trips, trail rides, or car meets, getting your vehicle summer-ready ensures you can enjoy the season worry-free. A little prep now can save you time, money, and frustration later. And with the right lighting upgrades, your vehicle won’t just survive summer—it’ll steal the spotlight.
Terry Pritchard (Jeepin’ Terry) is the Events & Off-Road Content Specialist for Oracle Lighting. In his spare time, he is the host of the Jeep Life Podcast and co-founder of the Jeep Enthusiasts of Eastern Pennsylvania, one of the largest Jeep clubs in the state. His obsession with Jeeps started in the 80s with his boss’s big bad blue CJ5. Growing up in the mountains of Tennessee, Terry spent plenty of time on the trails and in the outdoors. His 2017 Wrangler, named Kylo, has been to California and back and everywhere in between, finding trails and adventures everywhere… and constantly asks for more.