The changing of the seasons can take a toll on the condition of your car. While it’s clear that a harsh winter can be damaging to bodywork and mechanical parts, summer has its pitfalls too. These simple and inexpensive summer tips will help to put your vehicle in perfect condition to cope with the heat and humidity of the upcoming summer months.
Cooling System
Overheating is still the biggest cause of auto breakdowns, and it stands to reason that this is going to be more of a problem during summer. Reduce your risks by giving your cooling system a comprehensive check up. Ensure that your cooling liquid levels are kept sufficiently high, and visually inspect the fan belt and other mechanical parts for wear and tear. Also, check the seal on the radiator cap: freezing temperatures in winter followed by the heat of the engine can cause cracking. Replacing a worn cap will be much less expensive than dealing with the results of a high temperature, high-pressure failure.
Windshield Wipers
Summer’s dry dusty weather can lead to a build up of dirt on the windshield, which is not only a safety hazard but can also damage both the windshield and wipers. Make sure the wiper blades are securely fitted and not too worn, replacing if necessary, and that check that there is plenty of washer fluid in the tank.
Air Conditioning
A working air conditioning system is far from a luxury in hot weather, and you don’t want to find out there’s a problem when stuck in traffic at the height of summer. Make sure there is enough refrigerant in the system, that the unit blows cool air without any problems or strange sounds, and that all hoses and piping are in good condition.
Tire Condition and Pressure
If you have dedicated winter and summer tires, switching them over provides a perfect opportunity for checking their condition. Excessive wearing or bald spots spell trouble, but even ensuring the correct pressure is an important safety check and will help keep your tires in good condition across a baking summer on hot roads.
A Thorough Wash and Clean
Lastly, although this might seem a very obvious tip, giving your vehicle a thorough wash before summer can avoid many problems. Over winter, salt and grit can build up in the wheel arches and even in the engine bay, raising the risk of corrosion setting in during warmer months. Treat your car to a high-pressure hosing down to remove all traces of dirt and debris, paying particular attention to hidden areas where harmful grime can often build up unnoticed.
Whatever the weather, paying attention to the small and inexpensive car maintenance jobs you can carry out yourself will help keep your vehicle in the best possible condition, and will help to reduce garage bills by keeping on top of small problems before they escalate out of control.