Summer is here in full force and I think it’s safe to say that it has never been hotter. I know that summers bring heat waves and record-breaking temperatures, but nobody was expecting so much heat. The heat can be quite hard on the human body. Of course, you take care of yourself by staying hydrated and cool. But what about your car?
Hot weather driving can have an effect on your car and on how well it operates and that is important to take extra safety measures and make sure that everything is double-checked before you hit the road.
That’s why I thought that the following tips will help you take care of your car in the sweltering months of summer.
Pay attention to your battery
The heat of summer can cause the acid and fluid inside a car battery to expand. This expansion can lead to leakage – and that leads to a battery that no longer works. You should always make sure that your battery’s fluid is always at the recommended level and you should clean the battery terminals on a quarterly basis, as the corroded and dirty terminals cause an early discharge and decrease battery life.
If you are planning to go on a long road, make sure that your battery is fully charged so you don’t encounter any unpleasant surprises. Also, if your battery is old and might not function to its total capacity, consider replacing it with a new one.
Check your cooling system
I think that the last thing you want is to have an overheated car. It’s not good for you and it’s certainly not good for the car. So check the cooling system to see that it’s functioning in the right parameters. Don’t forget to check the air conditioning system too. Make sure it is working properly to avoid putting additional strain on your car’s cooling system. You will be using your air conditioner a lot more during the summer, so it is essential that it works right.
Check the breaks
Brakes are the centre point of a car’s safety system and come in use on a regular basis. If not maintained timely and properly worn-out brakes can cause severe damage to the whole braking system. Same as the battery fluid, the brake fluids should be checked fortnightly.
Verify the tyres
Make sure you check your tire pressure because the heat will make it rise and if you have worn tyres they will blow out and put you and other drivers in danger. If your car’s tyres are pretty worn out, consider having them replaced.
Of course, these tips apply also when you decide to buy a new car. After you use a car loan affordability calculator to see what car you can actually afford to buy, make sure that you buy it from a trustworthy car dealership where that check all the things that I mentioned above. That way you will know for sure that you’re set to go on new adventures and that you will arrive safely to your destination.
No comments