Summertime Auto Maintenance Tips According to the experts at the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), automotive breakdowns occur frequently during the summer season. Summer’s heat, dust, and stop-and-go traffic are tough on vehicles. To help with summertime maintenance, ASE offers the following tips. Some are easy to do; others should be performed only by a skilled auto technician. Getting started — The best planning guide is your owner’s manual. Read it, and follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedules. Air conditioning — A marginally operating air-conditioning system will fail in hot weather. Have the