Summer is practically begging you to hit the open road. But before you load up for that beach trip or mountain getaway, there’s the annual ritual of summer car maintenance. For years, the line between a simple do-it-yourself fix and a trip to the mechanic was pretty clear. But today’s cars aren’t just engines and wheels anymore; they’re computers on wheels, and that’s dramatically changing the rules of the game.
Let’s take a look at the evolving world of car care, and how future trends are redefining what you can tackle in your driveway versus what’s best left to the pros.
The New Age of DIY: Smarter Tools for Simpler Tasks
The good news is that technology isn’t just making cars more complex—it’s also making some DIY tasks more accessible than ever. The key trend here is the rise of powerful, user-friendly diagnostic tools.
Gone are the days of just guessing what a “check engine” light means. Affordable OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) scanners connect to your smartphone and don’t just give you a cryptic code; they translate it into plain English, suggest possible causes, and even point you to repair guides. This empowers you to walk into a situation with more knowledge than ever before.
With these new tools in hand, here are the summer maintenance tasks that are still firmly in the DIY-friendly zone for most modern cars:
- Air Filters: Both the engine and cabin air filters are usually easy to access and swap out. A clean engine air filter can slightly improve fuel economy, while a fresh cabin filter keeps dust and pollen out—a must for summer allergy sufferers.
- Wiper Blades: Don’t wait for a summer downpour to discover your wipers are shot. This is a five-minute, tool-free job that makes a huge difference in visibility and safety.
- Fluid Top-Offs: Checking and topping off your windshield washer fluid and engine coolant is a simple DIY task. Big caveat: Always use the specific type of coolant recommended in your owner’s manual. This is especially critical for hybrids and EVs, which have complex cooling systems for their batteries.
- Tire Pressure: Your car’s Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is a great safety net, but it’s no substitute for a trusty manual gauge. Check your tire pressure (including the spare!) monthly to ensure safety, extend tire life, and maximize fuel efficiency.
When to Call a Pro: The High-Tech “No-Go” Zone
While some tasks are getting easier, others are moving further into the “professional only” category. This is where the complexity of new automotive systems really comes into play. Trying to DIY these can lead to bigger, more expensive problems, or even compromise your car’s safety features.
Here are the areas where modern tech demands a professional touch:
- Anything Involving ADAS Calibration: Does your car have adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, or automatic emergency braking? These Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) rely on precisely aimed cameras and sensors. A seemingly unrelated job, like a wheel alignment or windshield replacement, can throw them off. Recalibrating these systems requires specialized equipment that you simply don’t have at home. If you’re working on anything that could affect vehicle alignment or forward-facing sensors, leave it to a pro.
- High-Voltage Systems in EVs and Hybrids: This is a non-negotiable. The high-voltage systems in electric and hybrid vehicles, usually identified by bright orange cables, carry a dangerous and potentially lethal electrical charge. Servicing these components requires specialized training and safety equipment. Stick to the 12-volt system (for lights and infotainment) and leave anything orange to certified technicians.
- Air Conditioning Service: If your A/C is blowing hot air, it’s tempting to grab a DIY recharge kit. However, modern A/C systems are sensitive. An improper charge can damage the compressor, and venting refrigerant into the atmosphere is harmful to the environment and illegal. A pro can properly diagnose the leak, fix it, and recharge the system to the exact specification.
- Software-Dependent Repairs: A growing trend in the auto industry is software-locked components. Sometimes, replacing a part isn’t enough; it needs to be “coded” or “registered” to the car’s main computer using dealer-level software. This is becoming more common for everything from battery replacements to headlight modules.
The Smartest Trend: The Hybrid Approach
The real future of saving money on car maintenance isn’t about choosing between DIY or a pro; it’s about using technology to bridge the gap. Invest in a good OBD-II scanner. When a problem arises, use it to diagnose the issue yourself. You can then research the potential costs and, most importantly, walk into your independent repair shop armed with information.
This knowledge prevents you from being upsold on unnecessary diagnostics and shows the mechanic you’re an informed customer. As “Right to Repair” legislation gains momentum, we can hope for even greater access to the tools and information needed to make smart decisions.
So this summer, embrace the new rules. Tackle the simple stuff with confidence, respect the high-tech complexity of modern vehicles, and use technology to be the smartest car owner you can be. Happy—and safe—driving!