Neglecting car maintenance during the summer can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, breakdowns, and costly repairs, affecting the quality of your exterior paint. Here are some simple summer car care tips to make sure you drive your car safely all season while looking at its part.
Check and replace windshield wipers
Summer car care includes caring for your windshield wipers because dust, pollen particles, and glare from the sun make it difficult to see through the windshield. Also, the rubber on the blades can dry out in the heat, making them less effective at cleaning your windshield.
To make sure nothing is obstructing your vision, it's important to check the effectiveness of your wipers and replace them at the end of each season to ensure better visibility. We recommend that you cover your vehicle when not in use to ensure dust does not collect on the windshield and wiper blades.
A routine check of the cabin air filter
During the summer, a car's air filter prevents pollutants from entering the vents. Therefore, it becomes important to pay attention to replacing a dirty filter that can lead to problems in the air conditioning system, which can be very expensive to repair. Also, the cost to replace an air filter varies from vehicle model to vehicle model.
Therefore, to avoid these unnecessary costs, it is necessary to maintain the quality of the cabin air filter by changing it periodically, preferably every 12 months or 10,000 kilometers, as recommended by the manufacturer. This routine maintenance is important and cost-effective in the long run.
Check Tyre pressure
Proper tyre pressure assures that a vehicle performs well in any season because tyres lose or gain pressure daily, depending on the outside temperature. Hot weather can cause tyre pressure to increase, which can cause tyre to over-inflate and blow out.
On the other hand, under infate tyres can impair fuel economy, affethe ct handling, and increase the risk of a tyre blowout. Therefore, maintaining proper tyre pressure ensures that your vehicle runs better and more efficiently during the summer.
Check and maintain fluids
High temperatures can cause your car's engine oil to burn quickly, especially if the oil is old and degraded. To prevent damage to your engine, it's important to check engine oil levels regularly and add the appropriate oil as needed. Engine oil acts as a lubricant and protects your engine from wear, while an oil filter removes contaminants from the oil.
Also, you may want to consider draining the old oil and replacing it with a more heat resistant grade that can retain its viscosity and reduce wear under severe operating conditions. It is also necessary to regularly check the fluid levels in the power steering, brake ,and transmission units, as these can be potential weak points. Consider changing your oil according to your vehicle manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule. With regular oil changes, you can help ensure that your engine continues to run smoothly for years to come.
Air conditioning system service
Car owners have often complained that their air conditioning units take a long time to cool down the cabin during the summer. Despite the power of an air conditioning unit, it takes time to reduce the heat trapped inside a car, especially when the car is parked in direct sunlight.
It is a common understanding that AC systems often require regular maintenance.
LThe lowrefrigerant level is the most common cause of an air conditioning unit malfunction. This may be due to a leak somewhere in the system. Therefore, regular maintenance of the air conditioner is important for it to function properly. This includes topping up coolant to ensure optimal cooling performance and cleaning the system to remove dust and dirt buildup that can obstruct airflow and cause systema failure.
To prevent this:
- Roll down the windows briefly when entering the vehicle and allow some heat to escape.
- Set the fan to the highest level and wait a few minutes.
- Once the temperature inside the vehicle matches the temperature outside, roll up the windows and turn on the air conditioning.
Protect the interior of the car
To ensure the longevity and value of your vehicle, it is essential to protect the vehicle inside and out from the damaging effects of the sun's rays. Direct exposure to strong UV rays can cause vehicle interior components to fade, cracking, and warping of the car's interior components, damaging the paint and exterior.
One can park their car under shades or use the car cover to protect the interior, as extreme heat can make driving difficult by heating up the sring wheel and seats. In the summer months, we recommend cleaning and conditioning your car regularly to prevent damage and keep it looking like new.
Test your battery
The best way to keep your battery running smoothly is to keep it clean. This can be accomplished by periodically disconnecting the battery cables and cleaning the terminals. Also, making sure the battery is securely attached and all connections are secure can further contribute to good battery performance.
Check the battery terminals for corrosion, make sure they are free of dirt, and secure all cable connections. Signs of a bad battery include slow engine revs, dim headlights, and a battery warning light on the dash.
In conclusion, it is important to take care of your car during the summer to ensure that it stays in good condition and performs at its best. These simple tips will allow you to enjoy a safe and comfortable driving experience during the summer. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, so be sure to give your car the attention it needs before you hit the road this summer.
