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 you drive your car safely all season while looking the part.
Check and replace the wipers
Summer car care includes taking care of your windshield wipers because dust, pollen particles, and sun glare 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.
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 better visibility. We recommend that you cover the vehicle when not in use to ensure that dust does not collect on the windshield and wipers.
Routine check of cabin air filter
During the summer, a car’s air filter prevents pollutants from entering the vents. Therefore, it becomes important to pay attention to the replacement of a dirty filter that can cause problems in the air conditioning system, which can be very expensive to repair. Also, the cost of replacing an air filter varies by vehicle model.
Therefore, to avoid these unnecessary costs, it is necessary to maintain the quality of the cabin air filter by changing it periodically, preferably every 12 months or 10,000 kilometers, as recommended by the manufacturer. This routine maintenance is important and profitable in the long run.
Check the tire pressure
Proper tire pressure ensures that a vehicle 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 cause tires to overinflate and blow out.
On the other hand, underactive tires can affect fuel economy, affect handling and increase the risk of tire blowouts. Therefore, maintaining proper tire pressure ensures that your vehicle runs better and more efficiently during the summer.
Check and maintain fluids
High temperatures can cause car engine oil to burn 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 wear, while an oil filter removes contaminants from the oil.
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 reduce wear under severe operating conditions. Fluid levels in the power steering, brake and transmission units should also be checked regularly as they can be potential weak points. Consider changing your oil according to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. With regular oil changes, you can help ensure that your engine continues to run smoothly for years to come.
Air conditioning system service
Car owners have often complained that their air conditioning units take a long time to cool the cabin during the summer. Despite the power of an air conditioning unit, it takes time to reduce the heat trapped inside a car, especially when the car is parked in direct sunlight.
It is a common understanding that AC systems often require regular maintenance.
Low coolant level is the most common cause of malfunction of an air conditioning unit. This may be due to a leak somewhere in the system. Therefore, regular maintenance of the air conditioner is important for it to function properly. This includes recharging refrigerant to ensure optimal cooling performance and cleaning the system to remove dust and dirt build-up that can obstruct airflow and cause system failure.
To avoid this:
- Roll down the windows briefly when you get into the vehicle and let some heat escape.
- Set the fan to the highest setting and wait a few minutes.
- Once the temperature inside the vehicle matches the temperature outside, roll up the windows and turn on the air conditioning.
Protect the interior of the car
To ensure the longevity and value of your vehicle, it is essential to protect your vehicle inside and out from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays. Direct exposure to strong UV rays can cause the car’s interior components to fade, crack and warp, damaging the paint and exterior.
You can park your car in the shade or use the car cover to protect the interior, as extreme heat can make driving difficult by heating the wheel and seats. During the summer months, we recommend cleaning and conditioning your car regularly to prevent damage and keep it looking like new.
Test your battery
The best way to keep your battery running smoothly is to keep it clean. This can be achieved by periodically disconnecting the battery cables and cleaning the terminals. Also, making sure the battery is well connected and all connections are secure can further contribute to good battery performance.
Check the battery terminals for corrosion, make sure they are free of dirt and secure all cable connections. Signs of a bad battery include slow engine revs, dim headlights, and a battery warning light on the dash.
In conclusion, it is important to take care of your car during the summer to ensure that it stays in good condition and performs at its best. These simple tips will allow you to enjoy a safe and comfortable driving experience during the summer. 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.
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