July 19, 2019

You might be ready for the hot Summer months, but is your vehicle?

It certainly is starting to warm up out there now that Spring is here and with Summer just around the corner we thought we would take a look at a few summer car care tips for the hotter months.

Check your battery

Batteries older than three years should be checked. Although they are more likely to fail in cold weather (because of the greater demands placed on them), heat can be just as tough on a battery. Battery Fluid can evaporate causing damage and accelerate corrosion.

Top up or change fluids

Low fluid levels decrease the ability of the vehicle to cool components and can lead to overheating, this is potentially disastrous for mechanical components. Check all fluid levels, including engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid and brake fluid.

Check engine belts and hoses for wear

Look for visible leaks and squeeze hoses to ensure they are firm and pliable. Pay close attention to the points where the hoses are connected and/or clamped as these are common failure points. Only carry our these inspections when the car and engine are cool and do not attempt to touch hoses or belts unless the engine is switched off. Failure to do so could result in burns or other serious injuries.

Keep your engine cool

Your engine relies on it’s cooling system to maintain a specific operating temperature. During summer, the cooling system has to work even harder to do its job and protect your engine from overheating. Over time, coolants can become contaminated and additives lose their effectiveness. For best results, flushing your cooling system and replacing the coolant with fresh fluid is recommended, (only add coolant that is recommended by the manufacturer).

Tyres

Tyres are especially susceptible to wear and tear that can lead to blowouts in the summer heat. Keep them maintained – meaning check the air level and ensure they are inflated properly. You should also rotate them regularly for best results.

You will also want to check your spare tyre to make sure it is ready to go should such an emergency arise. After all, it’s not much good having a spare tyre if it is in need of repair itself.

Lights

Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs; clean dirt and insects from all lenses. (To prevent scratching, never use a dry rag).

Wipers

A dirty windshield is not only irritating it can cause eye fatigue and pose a safety hazard. Replace any worn blades and get plenty of windshield washer solvent.

Brakes

Brakes should be inspected as recommended in your manual, or sooner if you notice pulsations, grabbing, noises or longer stopping distances. Minor brake problems should be corrected promptly.

Prepare for an emergency

Unfortunately even when you do everything right, sometimes things just go wrong. Do yourself a favour and save some boot space for the following items. They may just save your road trip from turning into an unexpected pit stop:

• Screwdrivers and wrenches of various sizes
• Jumper Leads
• Jack and Tyre Iron
• Quick Fix Tyre Sealant (for temporarily sealing a flat tyre to get you home or to the nearest garage)
• Water (for you and the radiator)
• Flashlight
• Emergency flares and reflectors
• Blanket and towel

What a lot of people don’t realize is just how hot a vehicle can become during the summer, particularly when stuck in traffic on the freeway. Follow these basic summer car care tips to help ensure you’re not the person stranded on the side of the road this summer.

And if you are looking for something new to get behind the wheel of this summer, then why not check out our massive range of vehicles at Westside Auto Wholesale. With over 1000 vehicles under one roof, we have something to suit everyone’s needs.