You are not the only one feeling the heat in the summer; your car is also affected by the warmth of the Aussie summer. The temperature will be high, and the roads will be sizzling. Also, summer is a season where people tend to drive the most. None of these things factor well for your car. You will need to take extra care of your vehicle this season. Here are some tips that will help:
image credit: pixabay
Start with an Oil Test
The viscosity of engine oil matters depending on the climate. The conventional wisdom goes that car owners should use lightweight oils in the winter and heavy oils in the summer. The summer heat was thought to break down the oil. Most modern vehicles use multiviscosity oil, like 10W40, that does not require changing just because the seasons are changing. However, if you are using an older vehicle, you might want to consider changing the oil. The type you need will be listed in the user’s manual that came with your car. Your older car may be able to benefit from modern engine oils that are not susceptible to environmental temperature. Ask you auto mechanic if this option is available for you.
Change Air Filters
The summer months are dusty than most other months. So, you need to prepare your vehicle’s cooling system to best battle airborne debris by changing the air filters. Change the filters at the start of the summer months, and have them checked when the season is over. If you have been driving on dirt roads in the summer, the filters might need changing before winter comes.
Check Windshield Wipers and Fluid
You may want to refill the windshield wiper fluid for the season. More importantly, you need to have the wiper blades inspected professionally. While they may have been able to wipe snow off the windshield, it’s possible they are damaged. You don’t want wipers with cracks or leakage when you are driving on a rainy day. Therefore, do this before the rain hits your region.
Have Belts and Hoses Inspected
You need to take your car to the auto mechanic for a thorough inspection of parts such as belts and hoses. The heat takes a toll on these components. So, if they are damaged somehow, the summer will worsen the problems. You don’t want your engine swelling or leaking while you are on vacation. So, as soon as the snow beings melting, get an auto mechanic to check your vehicle.
Check Coolant or Antifreeze Levels
Obviously, the heat of the summer puts more demand on your vehicle’s cooling system. Therefore, you need to make sure there’s enough coolant to keep it functioning without a hitch. Check the coolant levels when you take your vehicle to the auto mechanic for an engine inspection.
Check Tires
As you will be driving more, your tires will need to be in tip-top shape. Check the inflation levels and make sure your tires can handle hot roads. Over inflation can be a problem if you live in a rain-prone area. Overinflated tires will slide off rain soaked roads like an eel through the fingers. Check treads on tires as well. If you can’t balance a small coin between the grooves of a tire’s tread, then that tire needs replacing.
In the summer, it’s also important to keep in mind to keep your vehicle clean. Don’t litter in the car and regularly wash the exterior.
|