Here are our top five automobile care guidelines for hot weather to keep you and your four-wheeled-best-friend driving coolly during the summer months. 

The most important summer auto care recommendation is to keep your car's cooling system in good working order. It is responsible for keeping the engine from overheating. The coolant is a 50-to-70 percent ethylene or propylene glycol and water combination. It is pumped through the engine, through a rubber pipe, and into the radiator, where the heat is dispersed into the air by a fan and airflow as you drive, and then returned to the engine. 

You want to know as soon as possible if your system develops a leak. Extreme temperatures can cause cracks and tears in the belts and hoses that link the system. Unless the radiator cap is tight enough, it retains pressure and serves as a safety release. It's also worth noting that hot weather depletes coolant more quickly. 

Check under your car every a week or so after it has been parked for a few hours to ensure it is not leaking coolant. Coolant has a sweet, syrup-like aroma and is frequently a bright color. The temperature gauge climbing near the red zone, steam, white smoke, hissing under the hood, and/or a distinct sweet or burnt sugar odor are all warning indicators of coolant troubles.

Examine the transparent white refill bottle beneath your car's hood to determine coolant levels. According to Car Talk, if the engine is hot, the coolant level should be at or near the max line; if the engine is cold, the coolant level should be at or near the minimum or fill line. 

In addition to monitoring the coolant level, keep in mind that coolant loses effectiveness over time. It no longer has the ability to cool as well as protect the radiator from corrosion. When the seasons change from winter to extreme weather, it's a good idea to have your system cleaned and flushed, especially since debris accumulates and can block the system. 

Even the most dependable rubber is likely to crack and tear after the winter months of snow, ice, and a daily cycle of freeze and thaw. In the summer's sudden downpours, ragged wiper blades are a driver's worst nightmare. It's inexpensive and simple to replace your own wiper blades; simply purchase them from any hardware or auto store (many will replace them for you if you want). 

As with all motor fluids, windshield cleaner depletes faster in the summer, so check levels on a frequent basis. Another simple operation is to open the hood and locate the reservoir, which is normally near the base of the windshield. 

Engine belts are critical to every vehicle's function, so keeping an eye and ear out for them is your best option for preventing a summer breakdown. Belts should be replaced on a regular basis (depending on the type of vehicle), but exceptionally hot weather increases the likelihood that they will become loose or misaligned, wear out, or be exposed to fluids from leaks. 

Check belts visually for missing chunks, fissures, embedded debris, and glazing, all of which indicate wear or oil on the belt. 

You want to avoid maintenance issues while cruising safer this summer by simply looking for warning indicators. A burnt rubber odor, squeaking or screaming when you accelerate, or chirping at low speeds are all signs of a belt problem. 

What are our thoughts on tires? A coin for each of your thoughts and a penny for each of your treads. 

Remember to check your tires for three things once a month: wear, air, and spare. 

Worn-out tires are hazardous, especially in the summer, when hot wheels are more prone to leaks, collapsing under sharp objects, and skidding on wet surfaces. But it's simple to assess your tire tread--just use Lincoln's skull! Begin by inserting an upside-down cent into the groove; if the tread does not cover the top of Lincoln's head, it's time for new tires. Tire rotation every 6,000 miles helps to minimize uneven tire wear. Cracks, cuts, and bulges in the sidewall are all warning indications that your tires need to be replaced. 

In the summer, checking tire pressure is especially crucial for fuel economy, safety, and avoiding blowouts caused by hot pavement. It's also simple to check the air pressure yourself. The recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) for a car is placed on the drivers-side doorjamb, and a tiny personal pressure gauge may be purchased for under $5 at any auto store. 

Finally, keep in mind that there are five tries to consider - don't forget to check the spare as well.