While it might not be quite as hazardous as winter, as the summer months roll in, car owners must also remember to pay extra attention to their pride and joys. The rising temperatures can put addi-tional strain on your car and minor issues can turn into major issues with surprising haste. To ensure your car runs smoothly and efficiently all summer long, follow these essential car care tips this summer and every summer to follow.
Check Your Tyres
The heat can have a significant impact on your tyres, making regular checks crucial. Higher temper-atures cause the air inside your tyres to expand, which can lead to over-inflation and tyres under-inflated due to temperature fluctuations can also cause a blowout while driving. Finding the perfect middle ground is key so it’s essential to check your tyre pressure regularly, ensuring it’s always within the manufacturer’s recommended range.
Ensure your tyres have the correct tread depth too. Tread depth affects your car’s grip on the road, particularly in wet conditions. In the UK, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, but for optimal safety and performance during the summer, a deeper tread is advisable.
Maintain Your Air Conditioning
Anyone that’s tried to suffer through a 30-degree summer drive without air conditioning will tell you it is mandatory in certain climates and it’s no exaggeration to say the UK is getting hotter by the year. Over time, your car’s air conditioning system can lose its efficiency, leading to inadequate cooling when you need it most.
Before the summer heat peaks, test your air conditioning to ensure it’s working effectively. If you notice that the air isn’t as cool as it should be or that it takes longer to cool down, it’s time to get your system serviced. The most common fix is to regas your AC, which will typically cost around £100, if done by a professional.
Don’t Forget the Right Car Insurance
Finally, while maintaining your car is crucial, it’s equally important to have the right car insurance policy in place. As you prepare for summer road trips, take a moment to review your insurance pol-icy to ensure it meets your needs. Make sure it offers adequate coverage for any potential issues that might arise during your summer travels.
Protect Your Car’s Exterior and Interior
The intense summer sun can take a serious toll on your car’s exterior and interior. Prolonged expo-sure to UV rays can cause your car’s paintwork to fade and deteriorate, while the interior materials, such as the dashboard and seats, can crack and fade over time with enough exposure. To protect your car’s exterior, regular washing and waxing are essential. Waxing creates a protective layer that helps shield the paint from the sun’s harsh rays and other environmental contaminants.
For the interior, consider using sunshades on your windscreen and windows to block out the sun’s rays and reduce the temperature inside the car. Parking in the shade whenever possible also helps prevent the interior from overheating.
Keep an Eye on Fluid Levels
Summer heat can cause your car’s essential fluids to deplete more quickly, which can lead to over-heating and other mechanical issues. Regularly check and top up vital fluids such as engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid. These fluids are crucial for keeping your car’s engine and other components running smoothly.
Engine oil lubricates the engine and prevents overheating while coolant keeps your engine at the right temperature. Brake fluid ensures your brakes work efficiently, which is especially important during long summer drives. Regularly monitoring these fluids helps you avoid unexpected break-downs and ensures your car remains in peak condition.