Beat the Heat and Hit the Road: Essential Summer Car Maintenance Tips
Summer beckons with its promise of sunshine, road trips, and adventures on the open road. But as the temperatures soar, so can the risk of car trouble. The scorching sun, increased humidity, and long journeys can put a strain on your vehicle. To avoid a roadside meltdown (literally!), here at Bartlett Automotive, your trusted partner in car care, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to summer car maintenance tips. With a little preparation and these handy pointers, you can ensure your car stays cool, calm, and collected all summer long.
Under the Hood: Keeping Your Engine Running Smoothly
Oil Change is King: Motor oil is the lifeblood of your engine, circulating and preventing friction between moving parts. Hot summer weather can thin out your oil, making it less effective at lubricating those vital components. Follow your car manufacturer’s recommendations for oil changes. Pro Tip: When you bring your car to Bartlett Automotive for an oil change, we’ll also perform a complimentary multi-point inspection, checking other vital fluids and components for your peace of mind.
Cooling System Check-Up: Your car’s cooling system is responsible for regulating engine temperature. Before the summer heat arrives, schedule a coolant system inspection at Bartlett Automotive. Our mechanics will check the coolant level, hoses, and radiator cap for leaks or damage. They’ll also ensure the coolant mixture is at the proper ratio of coolant to water for optimal heat transfer. A properly functioning cooling system is essential to prevent overheating, a major cause of summer breakdowns.
Fan-tastic Maintenance: The cooling fan plays a crucial role in dissipating heat from the engine. There are two main types of cooling fans: electric fans and engine-driven fans. Ensure both types of fans (if your car has both) are functioning correctly and free of debris. Listen for unusual noises or overheating issues that could indicate a fan problem. At Bartlett Automotive, we can diagnose and repair any cooling fan issues to keep your engine running cool.
Tyre Talk: Keeping Your Ride Rolling Smoothly
Pressure Check is Essential: Hot weather can cause tyre pressure to fluctuate. As the air inside the tyres heats up, it expands, increasing the pressure. However, this pressure can drop again as the temperature cools down. Regularly check your tyre pressure, including the spare, when the tyres are cold (not after driving). Remember: Refer to the recommended tyre pressure card located on the driver’s side door jamb for the correct pressure for your specific car and tyre size. Proper tyre pressure improves fuel efficiency, handling, and tread wear, all crucial for safe summer driving.
Tread Depth Matters: Worn tyres can be especially dangerous in hot weather, as they provide less grip on the road. This can lead to increased stopping distances and a higher risk of hydroplaning on wet roads. Check your tyre tread depth regularly using a penny test or a tyre tread depth gauge. Replace tyres when they approach the minimum tread depth (1.6mm), changing them around 3mm is a good idea, as not all tyres will be wearing at the same rate.
Visual Inspection is Key: Don’t forget to visually inspect your tyres for uneven wear, cracks, or hidden bulges. Uneven wear can indicate alignment issues, while cracks or bulges can be signs of internal tyre damage. These can be signs of underlying issues that need to be addressed promptly by a qualified mechanic. At Bartlett Automotive, we offer a complimentary tyre inspection as part of our pre-summer checkup.
Be Battery Smart: Avoiding a Summer Drain
Battery Blues: Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can shorten the lifespan of your car battery. The increased electrical demands of summer, such as running the air conditioning more frequently, can also put a strain on your battery. If your battery is nearing the end of its recommended life expectancy (typically around 3-5 years), consider replacing it before the summer heat sets in. At Bartlett Automotive, we offer a complimentary battery check to assess its health and capacity. We can also replace your battery with a high-quality option that meets your car’s specific requirements.
Clean Connections: Corrosion on battery terminals can hinder electrical flow and lead to starting problems. Visually inspect your battery terminals for corrosion and clean them if necessary. Use a baking soda and water solution to neutralise any corrosion buildup. Caution: Wear gloves and eye protection when cleaning your battery terminals, as battery acid can be harmful. If you’re not comfortable cleaning the terminals yourself, our technicians at Bartlett Automotive can do it for you.
A Breath of Fresh Air: Maintaining Your Air Conditioning System
Cool Comfort: A functioning air conditioning system is a must-have during the summer months. Schedule a routine A/C maintenance check at Bartlett Automotive (recommended at least every 2 years). Our technicians will inspect the system for leaks, check refrigerant levels, and ensure optimal cooling performance. A clean cabin air filter is also crucial for maintaining good airflow and air quality inside the vehicle. We recommend replacing your cabin air filter according to your car manufacturer’s recommendations, typically once or twice a year.
Be Light on the Inside:
Sun’s Fury: Park your car in the shade whenever possible to avoid excessive heat buildup inside the vehicle. This will protect your interior from sun damage, prevent the steering wheel and seats from becoming scorching hot, and make your car more comfortable to enter when you return. If shade parking isn’t available, consider using a windshield sunshade to deflect sunlight and keep the interior cooler.
Lighten Up the Load: Avoid leaving unnecessary items in your car during the summer, especially electronics or pressurised containers. The intense heat can damage these items and potentially cause explosions.
Be Prepared for the Unexpected:
Emergency Kit Essentials: Assemble a well-stocked emergency kit for your car. Include items like jumper cables, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, non-perishable snacks and water, a roadside assistance phone number, and a multi-tool.
Bartlett Automotive: Your Partner in Summer Adventures
At Bartlett Automotive, we understand that a well-maintained car is the foundation for a stress-free summer. Our team of experienced mechanics is here to ensure your vehicle is in top shape for all your summer adventures. Schedule a pre-summer inspection today and let our experts give your car a thorough checkup. We’ll ensure your engine is running cool, your tyres are in top condition, and your air conditioning system is keeping you comfortable on even the hottest days.
So, pack your bags, crank up the tunes, and hit the road with confidence! With these summer car maintenance tips and Bartlett Automotive by your side, you’re guaranteed a season filled with fun, safe, and memorable journeys. We wish you a happy and adventurous summer!
