For most people, putting petrol in the car is about as far as maintenance goes when it comes to their car. However, during the warmer months, cars can be more susceptible to the hot weather.
We all know that in the winter, it’s always best to keep some ice defroster in the car and keep windscreen wash fluid to hand. When it comes to the summer, something as simple as checking your fluids before you set off can save your engine from overheating. It’s still a good idea to take extra precautions during the warmer months, especially if you are heading off on a long journey.
Here are our top tips for maintaining your car this summer!
Check Tyre Pressure Often
We usually check our tyres to see if they need air, but in the summer, it’s a good idea to check that your tyre pressure is not too high. Heat causes things to swell, whether it’s our ankles or our tyres. It’s best to check your tyre pressure regularly during the warmer months to make sure that the pressure in your tyres has not increased. If the pressure in your tyres is too high, these can be unsafe to drive on and also more susceptible to punctures. So be sure to check your tyres if you want to avoid an unnecessary tyre change.
Always Keep a Spare Tyre Handy
As we said, the warmer months can cause tyres to over-inflate. You might also be surprised to know that the increased temperature of the tarmac on roads can also make your tyres more likely to ware down as well as a puncture. This means that your tyres can lose their grip on the road and be more likely to skid. With this in mind, our tip is to always keep a spare tyre handy if the worst thing happens, but also make sure that you check the tread depth of your tyres regularly.
Check Your Fluid Levels Often
Alongside your tyres, your car’s coolant levels are the most important thing to check during the warmer months. Most of us don’t think to check our levels every time we get in the car, which is fine because, normally, fluid levels last a while. However, during the warmer months, your car’s coolant levels deplete a lot faster than normal. This is due to higher temperatures causing your car to use more fluid to keep your engine cool. We recommend always keeping a bottle of engine coolant handy and checking your car’s fluid levels before every journey.
Don’t Forget to Change Your Oil and Filter
Think of oil as the blood that runs through the veins of your car. Without it, your car just won’t run, and without an efficient filter, your car’s oil is likely to not work properly during the warmer months. During the warmer months, oil can become thinner, which means that you need more of it to circulate around your car. Although, we don’t recommend keeping oil handy in your car because the heat will have the same effect on it. We do recommend checking your oil levels before setting off and booking your car in for a service as the warmer months approach.
Replace Your Windshield Wipers
You probably aren’t expecting rain anytime soon now that it’s the summer, right? Well, maybe the odd shower. However, your windshield wipers have taken quite a battering from all the rain they’ve wiped away during the colder months. You know that black flap that’s come loose, and you just keep ignoring it. That’s actually going to make your wipers less effective, especially if you get caught in a heavy shower. Visibility when you are driving is essential to maintaining safe driving conditions, so always replace your windshield wipers regularly.
Your Mobile Garage
Got a flat tyre or battery breakdown? Do you need a car specialist in your area to examine your vehicle for roadworthiness?
A quick search on our Mobrage app will match you with auto mechanics near you. That’s why we’re here. We will connect you with trusted vehicle experts near you to get you back on the road and on your way.
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