With the unofficial start of summer underway, InsureMe, the leading online insurance shopping service, is offering tips to keep cars in prime condition during the high heat and humidity of summer.

Because summer heat can be particularly hard on vehicles, InsureMe recommends the following:

Flushing and refilling the cooling system. Coolant levels and conditions should be checked throughout the summer to avoid overheating—the greatest cause of summer breakdowns.

Checking the vehicle’s radiator core. Cars that have been through a harsh winter face radiator corrosion from salts and deicers on the road. Using antifreeze, even during the summer, will help to reduce corrosion and keep the vehicle from overheating.

Changing the oil. While technicians advocate an oil change every 3,000 miles, cars that are routinely subjected to high heat, humidity and stop-and-go traffic need to be serviced more often.

Checking tire condition and pressure. Keeping the right amount of tire pressure is central to preserving fuel economy and extending the life of the tires. Drivers should also be on the lookout for visible damage to tires, which can worsen under intense heat.

For the numerous car owners who don’t perform their own vehicle maintenance, many repair and tune-up shops are offering summer car care packages which include many of the above mentioned services, with some major retailers offering the summer services for under $100. [PRWEB]