Summer Car Care Tips for Smooth Rides

With the increase in temperature, the demand on your vehicle rises. Excess heat, longer drives and dustier roads of summer can put a pressure on your car’s performance and even more pressure if you are driving with used engines. To avoid the surprise breakdowns and to stay safe breakdowns during those sunny road trips, it is essential to follow some basic summer car care tips. Some simple checks and tips can save your time, money and stress during family vacations.

Essential Summer Car Care Tips to Follow

Here are some of the tips to cool your vehicle down during the summer heat:

Check Your Cooling System

The first tip is to inspect your cooling system. Radiator and coolant of your car work overtime in hot weather to prevent overheating. You need to make sure that your coolant is at the appropriate level and the fluid is clean. If it hasn’t been flushed in while then now’s the time, also inspect the radiator’s hoses for any cracks, bulges or leaks. A small hose failure can lead to big problem fast when temperature soars.

Monitor Tire Pressure and Condition

Hot pavement and under-inflated tires are the dangerous combination. Heat causes the air to expand which can increase the tire pressure and leads to blow out, if not managed properly. Check the pressure of tire at least once month using reliable gauge and ensure it matches your car’s recommended PSI. Moreover, you need to inspect the tread and sidewalls for wear and damage. Proper tire care is one of the easiest summer car care tips which boost safety and fuel efficiency.

Test Air Conditioning System

Nothing disrupts the summer driver faster than a broken air conditioning system. Before summer hits full force, you need to turn on the A/C to ensure its cooling effectively. If it’s blowing warm air or making odd noises, have it checked by professional. Sometimes, it’s a simple refrigerant recharge and other times its may involve costly repairs. Keeping your A/C in top shape is one of those summer car care tips that ensures your and passengers comfort.

Replace Worn Wiper Blades and Top off Fluids

Summer is not just about sunshine, it also brings sudden thunderstorms. Wiper blades that worked okay in the winter might be too dry or cracked to handle heavy summer rains. Replace if they are skipping. Also check all your vehicle fluids such as, oil. Brake fluid, power steering, windshield washer and transmission fluid. Maintaining optimal fluid level is one those summer car care tips that ensure smooth operation in high temperature

Keep Your Battery in Check

Heat can be even more damaging for car batteries than cold weather. High temperature can cause battery fluids to evaporate which can corrode terminals and shorten battery life. Check for signs of corrosion and ensure that your battery is securely mounted. If your battery is more than three years old than consider having it tested. Including batter maintenance in your summer car care tips checklist can prevent inconvenient breakdowns.

Clean and Protect Interior and Exterior

UV rays can fade your car’s paint and damage the interiors your car. Wash and wax your car regularly to protect the finish from sun damage. Inside, use sunshades and consider applying UV protectant to your dashboard and seats.

By following these essential summer car care tips can make the huge difference between a smooth ride and stressful summer breakdown. Routine maintenance doesn’t just extend the life of your car; it also gives you peace of mind.

FAQs

What is the number one thing I should check before summer road trips?

Your cooling system as overheating is the most common cause of summer breakdowns.

Is tire pressure really affected by hot weather?

Yes, heat causes air to expand, which can lead to overinflation.

Should I carry anything extra in my car during summer months?

Yes, pack extra water, coolant and sunshade in case of breakdowns.

Can heat damage my car’s paint?

Yes, intense sun exposure can fade your car’s paint.

Can parking under the sun damage my car’s interior?

Yes, UV rays can fade upholstery, crack dashboards and raise interior temperature.