Spring is here. For many it is a time of joy. You’ve been stuck indoors staying away from the bitter cold way too long. The snow and ice is melting, trees are showing fresh green leaves, crocus, daffodils and tulips are starting to bloom and the gray dread of winter is slowly disappearing. If you live in the Valley of the Sun however you know very well what is coming – THE HEAT. Yes, that HEAT will be here sooner than you think. Now is a good time to get your car ready for that brutal summer in Arizona. 

Start with finding a good Auto Repair Shop Tempe AZ. And if you’re reading this blog then you got this step out of the way. You can trust our team at Bullitt Automotive to do this job for you. We will look over your car and make sure that it is in tip top shape so that it can serve you well during the upcoming season.

Here is a list of things you may want to have checked: 

Air Conditioning

This is an obvious item on the list. There is no way you want to be driving here in the summer without a well working AC. It’s only April, but time flies and like it or not the summer heat will be here before you know it. Nobody wants to be stuck driving a vehicle without a well working air conditioning system. Phoenix gets way too hot for that. Our advice is not to wait for the temperatures to creep up. Get your AC looked at early in the season so that you are prepared for the heat. 

Check tires and tire pressure

Summer or not it is always a good idea to look at your tires approximately once a month. You want to make sure that the tire pressure is where it needs to be. You also want to make sure that your tires are wearing evenly. Have Bullitt Automotive, your Auto Repair Shop Tempe AZ rotate and balance your tires periodically. 

Change your wipers

Monsoon rains will be here along with the heat. We recommend getting your wipers changed so that when the rain comes you have nice, smooth wipers to help keep your vision clear. Driving in the rain is no fun and it can get even harder with old, dried up windshield wipers. 

Check out the brakes

You definitely want to make sure that your brakes are in good working condition. If you are hearing any grinding or squealing sound that means that your brakes are wearing down and you should have them looked at by your Auto Repair Tempe AZ shop.  Never ignore a brake light on your dashboard, or a strange feeling such as pulling, shaking or a spongy feel while braking. 

Check your battery

The hot temperatures have a huge impact on the longevity of your car’s battery. It is not unusual to have to replace your battery every 2-3 years in the Phoenix area. If you are suspecting that your battery is acting up please stop by and we will gladly take a look at it to be sure that it is in good shape.

Top off all fluids

Make sure that you have your oil levels checked along with your brake and power steering fluid. Don’t ignore that windshield wiper fluid either. You don’t want to get stuck driving with that juicy bug in your view.



Make sure your first aid kit is stocked

This is always something I forget to do. There were numerous occasions where one of the family members tripped, fell and scraped a knee and there was no antiseptic or band-aid to be found. It is also a good idea to have sunblock and a painkiller in your kit. Extra water, some snacks and maybe even a blanket is nice to have just in case. Better safe than sorry as they say.

Keep your car out of the sun

The sun can be brutal on your vehicle. Both the exterior finish and the interior can be significantly damaged if exposed to the rays for an extended period of time, day after day. The interior temperature of your car can reach up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be very damaging to all surfaces. If possible keep your car in the garage or a shaded parking space. If shade is not available, it is a good idea to at least get one of those sunshades to help protect your dashboard. 

Bullitt Automotive is one of those Car Repair Companies that can help you prepare your vehicle for the heat of the summer. Some of you may like tinkering with your car on the weekends and that is great, but for those of you that don’t have the time or desire to do this type of maintenance yourself, we are here for you. 

In the spirit of travel



Yes, gas prices are through the roof right now and you’re thinking to yourself: “can I even afford a road trip”? It may be painful to spend all this money at the pump but let’s face it, a road trip is still one of the most affordable ways to get away. Try finding nearby places you haven’t visited yet. There are so many in our beautiful State of Arizona.

Flagstaff 

You may want to consider a camping trip to Flagstaff to cool off for a weekend. Plan early however because some of the campgrounds book up quickly. 

Sunset Crater is one of my favorite places to visit. Check out more information at: 

https://www.nps.gov/sucr/index.htm

Tucson



There are many nice hiking trails on Mount Lemmon. As you drive higher and higher up the mountain the temperature keeps on dropping to make for a comfortable summer hike. The views along the way are amazing. Doing this drive on a motorcycle someday is definitely on my bucket list.

Prescott 

Take a short 2 hour drive to Prescott and enjoy the beautiful Watson Lake, where you can hike, bike or kayak surrounded by natural beauty. After outdoor activities check out the city’s downtown where you’ll enjoy exploring local shops, galleries and restaurants. There are plenty of bars and music venues as well.