Summertime is a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors. However, the higher temperatures can have adverse effects on everything, your car notwithstanding. The heat may affect your vehicle’s exterior and interior if you are not proactive in your care activities.
To avoid the worst effects, here are a few tips on how to keep your car in top shape this summer.
Check Your Tyres
Heat can be particularly damaging to tyres. Therefore, you have to be diligent in monitoring their condition throughout the summer: check them regularly while taking note of the wear on them and looking for possible tears. Additionally, keep an eye on the level you are inflating them, as the summer heat can cause them to blow out.
Finally, remember to rotate your tyres once in a while to increase the likelihood of more even wear. Additionally, do not neglect your spare tyre. While you may not need to use it, it is still better to keep it in good condition in case of an emergency. Although most tires can last up to eight years, check your car manual for the manufacturer recommendations.
Understand the Engine Compartment
It is advisable to get comfortable with what lies underneath your bonnet by learning, through inquiries made to your regular mechanic, about the various components which make up your engine and how to keep them in good condition.
So understanding your engine compartment means knowing how to identify the different fluids used for various parts, such as the engine oil, transmission fluid, and, most importantly, the coolant. Furthermore, they should always be at the appropriate levels to prevent causing damage to parts of the engine.
Perform Routine Checks and Maintenance
To prevent the need for costly repairs, perform routine checks on all components of your car. This way, you can catch any emerging problems early enough to make more minor, more budget-friendly fixes. In addition, routine maintenance tasks like oil changes also help to keep the engine cool during the hot summer months.
Minimise Exposure
The elements can have a dramatic effect on both your vehicle’s appearance and operation. For example, exposure to the sun can cause fading paint and make the car temperature higher. Consequently, you run the risk of experiencing engine overheats. Therefore, to mitigate these outcomes, it is best to make every effort to park your car beneath some cover, be it the shade of a tree, an awning or in a garage.
Take It in For Detailing
Your road trips, excursions or beach visits will surely leave their mark in the form of the appearance of extra dirt, sand or debris that you cannot always eliminate with a simple wash. Therefore, consider scheduling regular detailing appointments to ensure that your vehicle is always as clean as it can be.
Maintaining your car’s optimum condition this summer is a multi-step process that will only benefit you in the long run. So don’t leave anything to chance. If you make an effort, you can rest assured that your vehicle’s useable life will extend much further.
Apart from this, if you are interested to know more about Buying a Used Car Instead of a New One then visit our Lifestyle category.
