Unlock a worry-free summer driving season in Northampton, MA with our top car maintenance tips for any getaway!
Get Your Car Summer Ready
Hey Northampton!
Summer is officially knocking on our door, and you know what that means: beach days at Old Orchard Beach in Maine, drive-in movies to catch what feels like the 10,000th Mission Impossible movie, and those epic road trips to the Carolinas that make lifelong memories. Before you load up the cooler and hit the open road, let’s make sure your ride is as ready for adventure as you are, whether you’re behind the wheel of a spacious Chevrolet Traverse or a trusty Honda Odyssey, because these car tips are truly for all makes and models.
Here at Burke Chevrolet, we believe car care shouldn’t be complicated. So, our team put together some simple tips to get your Chevy — or any car — in tip-top shape for all your warm-weather plans. Think of it as your vehicle’s pre-vacation check-up!
Table of Contents
- Give Your Tires a Good Look
- Listen to Those Brakes!
- Fluid Check: It’s Your Car’s Lifeblood
- Wipers & Washer Fluid: Clear Views Ahead
- Keep That AC Blowing Cold
- Beat the Heat: Protect Your Car from the Sun
- Show Your Paint Some Love: Wash & Wax
- Bonus Tip: Ready for a New Summer Ride?
1. Give Your Tires a Good Look
Your tires are your main connection to the road – especially important for those long summer drives to the Cape or cruising along Route 9! Before any big trip (or just your daily commute), give all four tires (and your spare, if you have one!) a quick once-over. Look for any odd bulges, cracks, or cuts. For tread depth, grab a quarter: if you can see the top of George Washington’s head when you stick it upside down into the deepest groove, it might be time for new shoes. And don’t forget tire pressure – hot weather can change it, so check your owner’s manual for the right numbers to keep you safe and efficient.
2. Listen to Those Brakes
Hear a weird squeal, grind, or feel a shimmy when you hit the pedal? Don’t ignore it! Hot summer roads and stop-and-go traffic—especially after 5 o’clock on a Friday on the Northampton rotary—can be tough on your brakes. For your safety and everyone else’s, it’s always a good idea to have our expert technicians take a look. We’ll check everything from the brake pads and rotors to the fluid, making sure you can stop smoothly and safely, every single time.
3. Fluid Check: It’s Your Car’s Lifeblood
Think of your car’s fluids like its blood – essential for everything to run smoothly, especially in the summer heat! Before a big trip, pop the hood and check your engine oil, coolant, brake, transmission, and power steering fluid levels. Low levels can lead to big problems down the road. If you’re not sure what to top off with, or if it’s time for a fresh oil change, our service advisors are always here to help you choose the best maintenance schedule to keep things flowing perfectly.
4. Wipers & Washer Fluid: Clear Views Ahead
Summer roads mean more bugs, dust, and unexpected pop-up showers! Make sure your wiper blades aren’t streaky, cracked, or leaving smears. They get worn out quicker than you think! And definitely fill up that windshield washer reservoir with fluid formulated to tackle those stubborn insect splatters. You’ll thank yourself when you’re cruising down Route 10 and hit a cloud of gnats!
5. Keep That AC Blowing Cold
Nothing beats a cool cabin on a sweltering summer day, especially after a long drive to the beach! Give your AC a test run. If it’s not blowing as cold as it used to, or if you notice any unusual smells, it’s a good time to get it checked. Our technicians can inspect your entire cooling system to make sure your engine stays cool, and you stay comfortable. Plus, we can even swap out that cabin air filter so you’re breathing fresh, clean air when the windows are up and the AC is blasting.
6. Beat the Heat: Protect Your Car from the Sun
The summer sun isn’t just hot for us, it’s seriously tough on your car’s interior and paint! Always try to park in the shade if you can. A simple windshield sunshade can work wonders for saving your dash from fading and keeping the inside from feeling like an oven. Over time, UV rays can also dull your paint, so regular washing and waxing (see our next tip!) are key.
7. Show Your Paint Some Love: Wash & Wax
Beyond just looking good (though that’s a bonus!), a regular wash and wax session protects your car’s paint from the harsh sun, pesky bugs, and road grime that summer brings. Keeping that shine isn’t just for show – it’s a vital defense against damage and fading. Stop by your favorite local car wash, or grab a bucket and hose and make it a fun weekend activity!
Need a spot to get that summer shine? Here are a few car washes near Burke Chevrolet:
- Touch Free Car Wash: Northampton, MA 01060 (approx. 0.7 miles away)
- Platinum Touchless Car Wash: 310 Bridge St, Northampton, MA 01060 (approx. 1.3 miles away)
- Golden Nozzle Car Wash: 492 Pleasant St, Northampton, MA 01060 (approx. 2.4 miles away)
Swing by and see us at 200 North King Street, Northampton, MA 01060 or give us a call at (413)-320-4143.
Feeling a little overwhelmed by this checklist, or just prefer to leave it to the pros? No worries at all! That’s what your friendly, dependable team at Burke Chevrolet Service is here for. We’re happy to do a quick check-up or handle any maintenance to get your vehicle ready for whatever summer throws its way.
Burke Chevrolet Service Team
Bonus Tip: Ready for a New Summer Ride?
Beat the rush! Discover Burke Chevy’s Early Bird Freedom Savings: an exclusive sneak peek at our hottest 4th of July car deals!
Speaking of hitting the road, mark your calendars! This Friday, June 21st, Burke Chevrolet in Northampton, MA, is kicking off our ‘Red, White & Drive’ Summer Celebration with some truly fantastic early 4th of July car sales! You won’t want to miss our ‘Early Bird Freedom Savings’ – a special ultra-low new Equinox EV lease offer or an incredible Equinox EV buy offer! This 4th of July, Choose Your Freedom, Choose Your EV offer.
Early Bird Freedom Summer Savings EV-ent officially runs from Monday, June 23rd to Saturday, June 28th (ends 4 pm EST). Don’t miss your chance to snag a hot summer car deal and roll into summer in style from your trusted Burke Chevy Sales team! We can’t wait to help you find your next great ride and explore our other new Chevy EV offers.
Your Summer Car Care Partner: The Burke Chevy Promise
So, there you have it – our top tips for a worry-free summer on the road in Northampton, MA! Remember, keeping your vehicle in prime condition means more fun on your vacation road trips and less stress on those daily drives. If you’re ready to get your car summer-ready, or just have a quick question about car maintenance or auto repair, our friendly team at Burke Chevrolet Service is always here to help. We make Chevy service simple, so you can focus on enjoying the season.
Ready to Schedule Your Summer Service?
- Book Online Instantly: Just Fill Out This Form
- Call Our Service Department: 413-320-4758
- Call Our Sales Department: 413-320-4758
- Visit Us Today: 200 North King Street, Northampton, MA 01060
