Car Care Tips for Summer

Summer can be tough on cars, especially during high temperatures when heat can destroy batteries and stress the cooling system and tires.

But unlike you, your car might not have the comforts of an AC parking, and add to that the usual strain it’s subjected to during the routine commute. And while a quick shot of lemonade will ensure that you stay hydrated, the same can’t be said about your car. So to make sure your car’s health doesn’t deteriorate in the coming months when the sun becomes a bit too bright and hot, here are a few simple tips to keep in mind:

• Servicing, Manufacturer

First things first, even if your vehicle’s running without any issues, like it always should, don’t bother skipping its scheduled service. There are some reasons behind this why you should not skip scheduled services. Not only check-up by a technician ensure that the car’s fluids – engine oil, gearbox oil, brake fluids, coolant, etc. – are working properly, but it also means that the vehicle is checked for its normal behavior, too.

And let’s not forget, that it’s not just the external cleaning that the car service center guys take care of. The engine needs cleaning as well, which is needed for the vehicle’s well being.

Most car manufacturers also organise service camps to enable free car check-ups, regular servicing, and various other promotions during summer, winters and rainy seasons. This are also known as Seasonal Service Camps. It’s best to take benefits of these services provide by your manufacturer.

Oil and air filters need to be replaced at certain intervals, which is also taken care of by the service center.

• Fluid level top-up

If leaving the car for servicing isn’t possible for you, the least you can check the car’s fluids level. The oil level can be checked using the dipstick, and if it appears to have turned dark or has lost its thickness, drain the remaining oil and replace it with fresh.

In case it hasn’t really turned dark but the oil level is low, you can top it up by using an oil of the same grade as prescribed by the manufacturer. Synthetic oils have a longer life; you could consider that while changing it. Manufacturers also mention the interval at which the fluids must be changed, so keep those in mind as well.

• Air conditioning

While AC is also checked as part of the regular service, it’s best to get it checked even if you aren’t getting the car serviced.  Its use will increase massively during summers, hence it becomes all the more important to ensure that it is working in this hot summer season.

Possible leaks can hamper its performance, while a reduced AC refrigerant is the most common reason behind the lack of cooling by the system.

• Tyres, wiper blades, and other rubber parts

The increased heat is set to make rubber hard, which could eventually turn brittle. Tyres are certainly tougher in comparison to other rubber-made parts of the car, but getting the tyres checked for cracks is important. These cracks can be very dangerous. Also, what goes without saying is that the wheel alignment and balancing should be performed, too, to ensure uniform wear of the tyres. The spare wheel, which often goes ignored needs to be checked for pressure as well.

Wiper blades, beadings, and other seals can turn hard under the effect of heat. They aren’t very expensive to repair, so if you find a faulty part, get it replaced.

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