Bakersfield's heat and dust count as severe service for many owner's manuals. A practical schedule shortens the interval on oil, coolant and battery checks and adds inspections of belts, hoses and brakes.
Key takeaways
- Oil and coolant first.
- Battery before summer.
- Inspect belts and hoses.
Before summer
Battery test, coolant check, A/C check, tire pressure.
Every oil change
Inspect belts, hoses, brakes and lights.
Yearly
Brake inspection and suspension check.
At intervals
Spark plugs, timing belt, transmission fluid.
Smog year
Combine maintenance with the test.
Tires and the road surface
Hot pavement raises tire pressure and tire temperature, which increases wear and blowout risk when pressure is off. Check pressure when tires are cold, in the morning, and match the placard on the door jamb. Inspect tread depth and sidewalls for cracks. Bakersfield summers punish tires on neglected cars more than on well-maintained ones.
Cooling system and A/C
Heat exposes weak cooling systems. Check the coolant level, hoses and radiator fins. A/C systems lose refrigerant slowly, so an annual check keeps cabin temperature manageable. If your A/C is blowing warm, do not wait until a hundred degree day. A weak compressor can fail under the stress.
Brakes, belts and batteries
Add a yearly brake inspection and a belt and hose check to your summer routine. Batteries should be tested before the hot months. Cracks on belts and bulges on hoses are easy to spot during an oil change. Catching one at an inspection is cheap, and finding it on the side of Highway 99 in July is not. Put these checks on the calendar with your oil changes.
Need help in south Bakersfield?
Questions about maintenance & oil change? Read our Maintenance & Oil Change page, call (661) 599-9098 or request a time. Peña's Auto Electric, Smog & Repair, 303 Taft Hwy, Suite B, Bakersfield, CA 93307. Mon to Fri 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Sat 8 AM to 1 PM.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bakersfield severe service?
Often, for heat and dust.
When to test the battery?
Before summer.
What about tires?
Check pressure.
Who sets intervals?
Your manual.