Extreme heat can take a toll on your car, damaging its plastic and rubber parts. It is quite tempting to take your car out for a long drive during the summers. However, there are several things you can keep in mind to care for your car during the hot summers.
Most common car problems during the summers
- Engine overheating
- Broken air conditioning
- Worn wiper blades
- Low tyre pressure
- Broken drive belt
- Tyre bursts
- Fuels leaks
- Weak battery
What must you consider while caring for your car?
Test the AC
During summers is when you use the air conditioner to the maximum. You might not have used the AC during monsoon or winters – therefore, it is important to check the condition of the AC before the heat of the summer takes over. A simple fix may be a refrigerant charge. Adding refrigerant to your car can give the AC system a boost.
Check the air pressure of the tyres
Not only during summers, you must check the air pressure of the tyres occasionally. You might want to look for signs that your tyres are under or overinflated. Optimal tyre pressure can avoid a flat tyre or a tyre blowout. Ensuring your tyres are properly inflated can also help maximize mileage.
Check engine fluids
Seasonal weather changes can impact the engine fluids of your car. They tend to thin or even evaporate in warm temperatures. When the summer is near, you might want to top off the transmission fluid, power steering fluid, coolant and windshield wiper fluid.
Oil and filter change
Getting the oil and filter changed is one of the simplest ways to increase the performance of your car. Oil lubricants keep your engine safe from wear and tear and the oil filter aids in removing contaminants from the car’s engine oil. If you don’t change the oil routinely, it can develop costly oil problems like particle build up that could wear down vital parts of the car.
Check the brakes
You rely on the brakes when you go for long drives. Therefore, it is important to check the brakes regularly. Other than poor stopping performance, you will want to listen for squealing or growling sounds when testing your brakes. You must also check for brake pulling, or if your car pulls to one side when you press the brake pedal.
Replace windshield wipers
Visibility is an important requirement while you are behind the wheel. During the summer, dust and pollen particles or even the sun’s glare can impact your vision through the windshield. Make sure you check your windshield wipers’ effectiveness to eliminate anything that could minimise visibility. Also, if the headlights seem dim or weak, immediately change them to make sure you are able to see clearly during the night.
Keep the engine cool
All cars have a cooling system with the job of removing heat from the engine to maintain proper temperatures. The cooling system is made of coolant, hoses, a thermostat, radiator and water pump. The temperature gauge designed to measure the coolant levels in your car will indicate if your engine’s coolant is cold, normal or overheating.
Park your car in the shade
During summers, try and park your car in the shade whenever possible. Parking your car in a shaded spot not only keeps you cool, but it can prolong its life. The rays of the sun could damage the exteriors and paint of your car which could be expensive to fix. Extreme heat could also heat up the inside of your car, like the steering wheel and leather seats, making it difficult to drive.