Summer car care is important because hot weather can put extra stress on various parts of your car, including your tires, fluids, and air conditioning system.
Neglecting to maintain your car during the summer can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, breakdowns and costly repairs, affecting the quality of the exterior paint. Here are some simple summer car care tips to ensure your car runs safely all season while looking the part.
Check and replace the wipers.
In fact, summer car care includes taking care of your windshield wipers because dust, pollen particles, and sunlight make it difficult to see through the windshield. Also, the rubber on the blades can dry out in the heat, making them less effective at cleaning the windshield.
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To ensure that nothing obstructs your vision, it is important to check the effectiveness of your wipers and replace them at the end of each season to ensure a better view. We recommend covering the car when not in use to ensure that dust does not collect on the windscreen and wipers.
Periodic review of the cabin air filter.
During the summer, the car’s air filter prevents pollutants from entering the vents. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to replacing a dirty filter that can cause problems with the air conditioning system, which can be expensive to repair. Also, the cost of air filter replacement varies by vehicle model.
Therefore, to avoid these unnecessary costs, it is essential to maintain the quality of the cabin air filter by changing it regularly, preferably every 12 months or 10,000 kilometers, as recommended by your manufacturer. This routine maintenance is important and profitable in the long run.
Check the tire pressure.
Proper tire pressure ensures that your car performs well in any season because tires lose or gain pressure daily, depending on the outside temperature. Hot weather can cause tire pressure to rise, which can lead to overinflated tires and blowouts.
On the other hand, underinflated tires can lead to poor fuel economy, affect handling and increase the risk of tire blowouts. Therefore, maintaining proper tire pressure ensures that your car runs better and more efficiently during the summer.
Check and maintain fluids.
High temperatures can cause your car to burn engine oil quickly, especially if the oil is old and degraded. To prevent damage to your engine, it is important to check your engine oil levels regularly and add the proper oil as needed. Engine oil acts as a lubricant and protects the engine from damage, while the oil filter removes contaminants from the oil.
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Also, you may want to consider draining the old oil and replacing it with a more heat-resistant grade that can retain its viscosity and minimize wear under extreme operating conditions. It is also essential to regularly check the fluid levels in the power steering, brake and transmission units as these can be potential weak points. Consider changing the oil according to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle. With regular oil changes, you can help ensure that your engine stays running smoothly for years.
Maintenance of the air conditioning system.
Car owners often complained about their air conditioning units, which take too long to cool the cabin during the summer. Despite the power of the AC unit, reducing the heat trapped inside the car takes time, especially when parked in direct sunlight.
It is a common understanding that AC systems often require regular maintenance.
Low refrigerant is the most common cause of a malfunctioning air conditioning unit. This could be caused by a leak somewhere in the system. Therefore, regular maintenance of the air conditioner is important for its proper operation. This involves recharging the refrigerant gas to ensure optimal cooling performance and cleaning the system to remove dust and dirt build-up that can impede airflow and cause system failure.
To avoid this:
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Roll down the windows briefly when you get into the vehicle and let some heat escape.
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Set the fan to the highest setting and wait a few minutes.
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Once the temperature inside the car matches the temperature outside, roll up the windows and turn on the air conditioning.
Protect the interior of the car.
To ensure longevity and maintain the value of your car, it is essential to protect both the interior and exterior of your car from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays. Direct exposure to intense UV rays can cause discoloration, cracking, and warping of your car’s interior components, damaging the paint and exterior.
You can park your car in the shade or use a cover to protect the interior, as extreme heat can make driving difficult by heating the steering wheel and seats. During the summer months, we recommend cleaning and conditioning your vehicle regularly to prevent damage and keep it looking new.
Test your battery
The best way to keep your battery running smoothly is to keep it clean. This can be achieved by regularly separating the battery cables and cleaning the terminals. Also, making sure the battery is properly strapped down and all connections are secure can further contribute to the battery’s smooth operation.
Check the battery terminals for corrosion, make sure they are free of dirt, and secure all cable connections. Signs of a bad battery include sluggish engine running, dimmed headlights, and a battery warning light on the dashboard.
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In conclusion, taking care of your car during the summer is important to ensure it stays in good condition and performs at its best. These simple tips will help you enjoy a safe and comfortable summer driving experience. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, so be sure to give your car the attention it needs before you hit the road this summer.
