As the weather warms up and summer approaches, ensuring your car is prepared for the extreme conditions is crucial. High temperatures can take a toll on your vehicle, and proactive car servicing can prevent potential breakdowns, keep you safe, and avoid costly repairs. Here are essential summer car care tips to get your vehicle ready for the hotter months.
Check Your Battery
Hot weather can be tough on your car's battery. While colder months tend to drain a battery due to increased demands, the heat can cause battery fluid to evaporate, leading to corrosion and reduced battery life. If your battery is more than three years old, it's time to get it checked. A failing battery can leave you stranded in the scorching summer heat, so avoid the inconvenience by having it inspected early.
What to Do:
- Test Battery Health: Have your battery tested for charge and functionality, particularly if it's more than three years old.
- Inspect for Corrosion: Look for white or bluish residue around the terminals and clean it off to maintain a good connection.
- Secure the Battery: Ensure the battery is fastened securely, as vibrations from loose mounting can cause damage.
- Consider Replacement: If your battery shows signs of weakness, replace it before the summer heat intensifies.
Top Up or Change Fluids
Fluids are the lifeblood of your vehicle, helping it run smoothly even under the strain of higher temperatures. Low fluid levels can lead to overheating and damage crucial components of your car, especially during the summer when the engine works harder to stay cool.
What to Check:
- Engine Oil: Keep the oil at the correct level and ensure it’s clean to properly lubricate and cool engine components.
- Coolant: A functional cooling system is essential. Flush and replace coolant as needed and use the manufacturer-recommended type.
- Brake Fluid: This hydraulic fluid is crucial for stopping power. Low or contaminated brake fluid reduces brake efficiency.
- Transmission Fluid: Helps keep your gear shifts smooth. Check the fluid’s color and level and replace it if it looks dark or smells burnt.
- Windshield Washer Fluid: Essential for clearing summer bugs, dirt, and debris off your windshield.
Pro Tip: Consider having a professional inspect fluid levels and replace old fluids during a seasonal service to avoid potential problems.
Ensuring these fluids are topped up or replaced will keep your car functioning efficiently and protect it from overheating during those long summer drives.
Inspect Belts and Hoses
Belts and hoses are critical to keeping your engine running smoothly, and these are among the most vulnerable components during summer. Intense heat can cause rubber to crack, dry out, or loosen, leading to potential failures. A broken belt or burst hose can lead to engine overheating and even cause significant damage.
What to Do:
- Check for visible wear, cracks, or leaks in belts and hoses.
- Inspect connections and clamps for any signs of weakness.
- Ensure the engine is cool before checking to avoid burns or injuries.
If you notice any issues with your belts or hoses, it’s important to get them repaired immediately to prevent breakdowns on those hot summer roads.
Keep Your Engine Cool
Your engine's cooling system works overtime in the summer to maintain an optimal temperature. Flushing and replacing your coolant can help prevent engine overheating. Coolants degrade over time, losing their effectiveness in protecting the engine. Ensuring you have the correct coolant, as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer, will keep your engine running at the right temperature.
What to Do:
- Flush the Cooling System: Replace old coolant with fresh fluid to ensure proper cooling.
- Inspect the Radiator: Check for leaks or blockages that could impede the flow of coolant.
Pro Tip: Always check levels when the engine is cool to avoid burns from pressurised coolant.
At Westside Auto Service, we provide professional cooling system inspections to keep your engine running smoothly through the hottest months.
Air Conditioning System Maintenance
Few things are as unbearable as driving in the summer heat without a functioning air conditioning system. Your A/C system is critical for comfort, but it requires regular maintenance to stay effective.
What to Do:
- Test Cooling Performance: Run the A/C and ensure it’s blowing cold air. If not, it may need recharging or repairs.
- Clean Air Vents: Dust and debris can block airflow. Use a soft brush or vacuum to clear vents.
- Inspect for Leaks: If you notice weak cooling, check for leaks in the A/C system and get them fixed promptly.
- Replace the Cabin Air Filter: A clean filter improves air quality and airflow. Replace it regularly to reduce allergens and pollutants.
Pro Tip: Have your A/C inspected professionally to ensure it’s ready for the summer months.
Tyre Maintenance
Your tyres face intense stress in the summer heat, and under-inflated or worn tyres are more prone to blowouts, which can be dangerous on the road. Regular tyre checks and maintenance are key to staying safe during the hotter months.
What to Check:
- Tyre pressure: Ensure all tyres, including the spare, are properly inflated.
- Tread depth: Check for adequate tread to maintain proper traction.
- Tyre rotation: Rotating your tyres regularly promotes even wear and prolongs their lifespan.
Summer is also a good time to inspect your spare tyre, making sure it’s in good condition should you need it in an emergency. Don’t forget to check its pressure and tread depth.
Inspect Your Lights
Good visibility is essential, especially for night driving during the summer holiday season. Dust and debris can accumulate on your lights, reducing their brightness and effectiveness. Burned-out bulbs can also pose a safety risk.
What to Do:
- Inspect all lights and bulbs for function.
- Clean dirt and insects from the lenses to maintain brightness.
- Replace any burned-out or dim bulbs.
It’s important to avoid using a dry rag on the lenses, as it can scratch the surface. Instead, use a soft cloth and proper cleaning fluid to keep your lights clear and effective.
Protecting Your Car Interior
The sun’s UV rays can wreak havoc on your car’s interior, causing upholstery to fade and dashboards to crack. Protecting your car's interior not only maintains its appearance but also prevents costly repairs.
What to Do:
- Use Sunshades: Place reflective sunshades on your windshield to block UV rays and keep the interior cooler.
- Apply Protective Coatings: Use UV-protectant sprays on dashboards, seats, and other exposed surfaces.
- Invest in Seat Covers: Covers protect upholstery from heat and wear.
- Tint Your Windows: As mentioned earlier, window tinting reduces interior temperatures and shields your car from UV damage.
Pro Tip: Park in shaded areas whenever possible to minimise direct sunlight exposure.
Benefits of Window Tint in Summer
Window tinting is an effective way to combat the intense summer heat inside your car. Tinted windows block harmful UV rays, reducing interior temperatures and protecting your car’s upholstery from fading and cracking. Window tint also minimises glare, enhancing visibility and comfort during daytime driving.
At Westside Auto Service, we believe window tinting is a key upgrade for your vehicle's comfort, safety, and privacy. Our state-of-the-art facility and certified professionals ensure you receive the highest quality tinting service available. - Click HERE for our Tinting services
Wiper Blades and Windshield
A clean windshield is crucial for safe driving, especially under the bright summer sun. Worn-out wiper blades can leave streaks that reduce visibility and increase eye strain. With unpredictable summer rains, your windshield wipers are key to maintaining clear vision in wet conditions.
What to Do:
- Replace worn or streaking wiper blades.
- Keep windshield washer fluid topped up.
- Clean your windshield regularly to prevent the build-up of dirt and bugs.
A dirty windshield can be a distraction and a safety hazard, so it’s worth giving it a little extra attention during your summer car prep.
Fuel Efficiency Tips for Summer Driving
Hot weather can affect your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Simple adjustments to your driving habits and vehicle setup can help optimise fuel usage during the summer.
What to Do:
- Avoid Excessive Idling: Idling consumes fuel unnecessarily and generates heat.
- Remove Excess Weight: Clear out heavy items from your trunk to reduce the load on your engine.
- Check Tyre Pressure: Properly inflated tyres improve fuel economy and handling.
- Plan Your Routes: Use navigation apps to find the most efficient routes and avoid traffic.
Pro Tip: Use cruise control on highways to maintain consistent speeds and save fuel.
Brake Inspection
Your brakes are one of the most critical safety systems in your vehicle, and summer driving conditions can place added strain on them. Increased braking due to road trips, heavy loads, or stop-and-go traffic in hot weather can lead to wear and tear.
What to Do:
- Inspect Brake Pads and Rotors: Look for wear, cracks, or warping, as heat can exacerbate existing damage.
- Monitor Brake Fluid Levels: Heat can cause brake fluid to degrade faster, so ensure it’s clean and at the correct level.
- Listen for Unusual Sounds: Squeaking or grinding noises could indicate worn brake pads or other issues.
If you notice any warning signs, it’s important to have your brakes inspected and repaired as soon as possible. Don’t take risks with your safety, let our expert team at Westside Auto Service ensure your brakes are in perfect working condition.
Get Summer-Ready at Westside Auto Service
Summer driving presents unique challenges, from intense heat to long holiday road trips, and taking care of your car is essential to prevent breakdowns and keep you safe on the road. By following these summer car care tips, you’ll ensure that your vehicle is ready to tackle the warmer months with ease.
At Westside Auto Service, we provide comprehensive vehicle inspections and car servicing to help prepare your car for summer. From battery checks to brake inspections and coolant flushes, we offer a full range of services to keep your car running smoothly in the heat. Don’t let the summer heat catch you off guard, book your service today and drive confidently all season long.
Summer Travel Essentials
For those planning road trips, having the right gear on hand can turn a potential inconvenience into a minor hiccup.
What to Pack:
- Portable Tyre Inflator: Handy for adjusting tyre pressure on the go.
- First Aid Kit: Essential for any emergency.
- Extra Water: For both the radiator and passengers.
- Snacks and Cooling Towels: Keep yourself and your passengers comfortable on longer drives.
- Maps: As a backup in case of poor cell service.
Pro Tip: Create a checklist before hitting the road to ensure nothing is forgotten.
Prepare for an emergency
Unfortunately even when you do everything right, sometimes things just go wrong. Do yourself a favour and save some boot space for the following items. They may just save your road trip from turning into an unexpected pit stop:
- Screwdrivers and wrenches of various sizes
- Jumper Leads
- Jack and Tyre Iron
- Quick Fix Tyre Sealant (for temporarily sealing a flat tyre to get you home or to the nearest garage)
- Water (for you and the radiator)
- Flashlight
- Emergency flares and reflectors
- Blanket and towel
Summary: Stay Safe and Cool This Summer
Summer can be tough on your car, but with the right care and preparation, you can avoid breakdowns and ensure smooth journeys. From checking your battery and tyres to maintaining your A/C and protecting your car’s interior, these tips will help you tackle the challenges of the season with confidence.
At Westside Auto, we’re here to help you get summer-ready. Our comprehensive inspections and servicing options cover everything from coolant flushes to brake inspections, ensuring your vehicle performs its best in the heat. Schedule your service today and enjoy stress-free driving all summer long!
And if you are looking for something new to get behind the wheel of this summer, then why not check out our massive range of vehicles at Westside Auto Wholesale. With over 3000 vehicles under one roof, we have something to suit everyone’s needs.
