Our Top Summer Car Maintenance Tips
When it comes to British summer weather, conditions can be unpredictable! From blistering heat to thunderous rainstorms, weather in the UK is anything but consistent… but your car’s performance can be! Stay safe and assured this summer with our top tips regarding car maintenance. Enjoy smooth journeys wherever you’re holidaying!
Tyre Pressure
Did you know that in high temperatures, the air pressure in your tyres can increase by 1 PSI for every 10°F increase in heat? Through air temperatures and increased friction upon hot tarmac roads, it’s clear how quickly tyre pressure can swell. Overly inflated tyres can lead to increased fuel consumption and even blowouts – which are very dangerous for all on the road!
Prevent disaster by checking your tyres early in the morning whilst still cool. Pressure gauges are very useful for this. If you happen to be mid-journey and catch that your tyres are hot to the touch, adjust by allowing some air to escape. Though be aware that as the tyre cools, it may become underinflated.
Tyre Tread
With unexpected summer showers, roads can quickly become flooded. That’s why tyre tread is important to prevent hydroplaning and losing traction. Use the ‘penny test’ by inserting a 20p coin into the tread of your tyres. If the edge of the coin is still visible, your tyres are likely worn down and under the legal tread depth requirement of 1.6mm. In this case, replace your tyres – perhaps even for specific summer tyres. Summer tyres are made from a stiffer rubber with shallow treads, which makes for a shorter stopping distance.
A/C System
Having a working air-cooling system is the most obvious priority when it comes to summer. After all, there’s not much worse than sitting in traffic, with the sun beating down on you… without working A/C. Sit in your car and let it run, testing to see if it is blowing sufficiently cool air. If not, it likely needs a recharge or a more in-depth fix, which we offer across our garage locations. Also, be aware of strange smells or noises coming from your A/C. These issues can be indicative of mould or refrigerant leaks.
Cabin Filters
These filters work to improve the air quality within your car. They prevent debris like pollen, dust and pollution from entering your space – something especially important for hay fever sufferers. Be sure to replace your filter if it appears dirty or if you have been using the same one for over a year. This is included, as standard, in our Major service, available at your local National Tyres Autocentre location.
Car Battery
When the fluid within your car battery (a mixture of acid and water) becomes too hot, it can damage the battery itself, and less voltage is produced. So, whilst dead batteries are more commonly associated with winter, summer may actually be the initial cause of your dead car on the drive… You may be able to recharge your battery in such as case, but generally after five years, it is time for a new one.
General Top Ups
It’s important to stay ahead of your service schedule to make sure that your car is running to the best of its ability. However, for jobs that you can carry out at home, be sure to prepare before a summer of road trips. Check that your windscreen wipers are fully functional and refill your windscreen fluid to protect your vision. You could even take advantage of our windscreen treatment. Duxback repels water droplets and the bugs and dust that cling to your windows so that you never have to look at splattered pests again! Note that you should be careful and never open the radiator cap when the engine is still hot during checks such as oil changes and brake fluid top ups.
Sun Protection
Protect the shine and colour of your car paint by parking your vehicle in the shade. Plan strategically as the sun’s spotlight moves throughout the day and can cause your car to roast! Consider investing in window tinting or a wax coat for your car as these features can filter UV rays. While the functionality and safety of your car is vital… if you ask us, so is its fresh paint job!
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So, whatever your plans are this summer, make sure that your car can get you there safely and on time. Use our top maintenance advice as a checklist to prepare yourself for the warmer months ahead. Or be super organised with our summer ready service bundle so that you can drive with peace of mind.
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