lifestyle auto car

by Marjorie, Cars for Keeps Social Media Manager

Vacation season is officially here! With the countless vacation spots and activities available in the Grand Haven area, vacationers and Grand Haven locals alike will be hitting the beach, hauling the boat out to the bay for some long-awaited fishing and enjoying the countless rental cottages along the lakeshore.

The Grand Haven Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is a great resource for both Grand Haven locals and passersby to discover the wealth of attractions and events available during the summer.


Summer vacations mean travel, and travel means relying on your vehicle to get you from point A to point B. Whether you're traveling hundreds of miles or are just piddling around town, making sure your vehicle is in good working order is important to the longevity - and reliability - of the vehicle. Routine summer maintenance doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg; routine maintenance is the least expensive type of maintenance.

We've compiled a list of summer maintenance tasks that will help your vehicle run smoothly and safely well into next winter.

Summer Maintenance Checklist

Radiator Flush. As the coolant fluid within the radiator is used over time, it eventually begins to break down, leading to corrosion. Flushing and changing the radiator coolant fluid can save big time and money down the road.

Air Filter Replacement. Also a way to boost the energy efficiency of your vehicle, having air filters replaced twice each year ensures the engine is getting plenty of clean air. Ask us about our specialty reusable K&N Air Filters for even better performance in specialty vehicles.

Check Tires. Still haven't changed those winter tires? Driving on last summer's bald tires? Michigan rainshowers come heavily and often unexpected, and the last thing travelers need is to get caught on the freeway in a downpour with bald tires. Let a mechanic inspect the tread depth of your car's tires to make sure they're still safe for another summer.

Windshield Wiper Replacement. Again, Michigan rainstorms come unexpectedly, and faulty windshield wipers can cause a dangerous lack of visibility. Shell out the $20-30 bucks for a new set of wipers, and you'll be glad you did.

Brakes Inspection. Unless you pay close attention to the materials used to fix your car, your brake pads could be dangerously close to being worn down, even if they're relatively new. We can talk with you about using longer-lasting, quality brake pads, or at the least let you know if the ones you're using are still safe.

Battery Check. Wintertime freezing, snow and salt create prime conditions for corrosion, particularly on your vehicle's battery cables. A quick check of connection and battery level will save a big headache later on. Don't forget about this month's free battery check at Cars for Keeps.

Safe driving, and happy vacationing!