How to prepare your car for summer weather
Summer is back and this year it’s set to be a hot one, and it’s likely that you’ll be cruising about to take it all in on those long weekends or hot summer nights. But it’s very important you make sure your car is in peak condition in order to deal with the summer heat and keep you from unnecessary breakdowns and trouble further down the road.
Here’s a list of the main things we think you need to be checking over when preparing your car for the summer months.
Tyre Pressure
The higher temperatures that come with the summer months are going to make it more likely for your tyres to lose their pressure, so you’ll need to check them regularly and especially before long trips in order to avoid dramatic loss of pressure that can cause increased roll resistance and, therefore, higher fuel consumption.
Moreover, if your tyres are already damaged then the heat will increase the likelihood of a blowout. Don’t get caught out by avoiding or forgetting to check your tyre pressure, a relatively easy check to make. If your tyres are at their recommended pressure, your car will also be sure to handle optimally should you have to make an emergency maneuver, and will likely put you in more danger if the tyre pressure isn’t adequate.
Coolant and air conditioning
Your engine is designed to work at a certain temperature and the coolant serves to maintain it at this temperature. However, in the summer months your car will be subject to much higher temperatures than normal, putting extra strain on your coolant system to bring the engine temperature back down and maintain it, lest your car overheat.
If you don’t know how to check your engine’s coolant levels and the cooling system, you should consult your car’s manual or speak to a professional.
Those with air conditioning in their cars should also give it a quick check before the summer heat hits in earnest, otherwise you’ll have the kids on your back complaining of the heat all the way to the seaside. Not the best way to start the holiday.
Engine Oil and other fluid levels
It’s essential that you keep an eye on the fluid levels in your car, including the engine oil. Making sure your engine is properly lubricated will help to stop it from overheating or from parts corroding. If your engine oil is due to be changed, you should have it changed as soon as possible. Likewise, you should check the brake and steering fluid as well.
Servicing your car is a good way to ensure that all the fluid levels in your car are adequate, and also that all the other elements of your car both on and off this list are safe and functioning as they should. In particular, a service before a long trip could end up saving you hundreds of pounds further down the line by remedying faults with your car before they become more problematic.
Breakdown Kit
When out on your travels you don’t want to get caught up the creek without a paddle. Your breakdown kit in this case is your paddle. Make sure your kit is stocked up with torches, high-vis vests, spare food and (more importantly) water, and blankets for the evenings. You should also check that you have a spare tyre in your car that is roadworthy and that you have the necessary tools to change it.
Also, don’t forget your breakdown cover details.
Munster Tyres and Servicing have been a leading provider of tyres and car servicing to the Fulham and North London areas for 40 years. Our team of experienced professionals are experts when it comes to preparing your car for the summer months. For more information about booking your car in for a service or repairs, contact our friendly team today.