During summer, many people will plan to go on road trips or visit their friends to take advantage of the warmer weather.
While checking your car throughout the year is essential, warmer temperatures can be particularly problematic for certain parts of your vehicle.
With this in mind, Vytas Palovis, VP of Growth at car parts marketplace Ovoko, has shared the most common issues to watch out for this summer to prevent running into problems with your vehicle.
1. Engine coolant that is low or needs replacing
Keeping an eye on your car’s engine coolant is necessary to ensure that your car does not overheat, particularly in summer when the ambient temperature tends to be warmer.
While your engine coolant level should not drop drastically, debris can accumulate over time from general use, which can turn the coolant a brown or muddied colour. Coolant also becomes more acidic over time which can cause corrosive damage to the car’s cooling system and impact how effectively it cools the engine.
As a general rule of thumb, the engine coolant should be drained and replaced every 30,000 miles as part of your car’s major service. Make sure to consult your vehicle’s manual first, as some models may be able to be left for longer.
If your coolant level appears to be below the recommended fill levels, you can top this up yourself at home using the type of coolant recommended in your vehicle's manual.
Wait until the engine has completely cooled before opening the bonnet and locating the coolant reservoir, otherwise you may be exposed to hot pressurised coolant when you remove the coolant cap.
Ensure you are topping up your coolant reservoir to the max line before securing the cap back in place. If you regularly need to top up your engine coolant level, this can indicate a leak, which a mechanic will need to address.
2. Inspect your tyres
Ambient temperature increases of 10°C can raise tyre pressure by 1-2 PSI, which, when combined with increased heat from contact with the road, can increase pressure and increase the chances of your tyre blowing out.
Most passenger cars have a recommended tyre pressure of 30 - 35 PSI but consult your manual for your vehicle's specific tyre pressure range.
Maintaining optimal tyre pressure can prevent flat tyres or blowouts and help maximise fuel efficiency on long trips. Don’t forget also to check the air pressure of your spare tyre to ensure it will be a reliable alternative in case of an emergency.
Warmer weather can increase the wear and tear on your tyres, so check for any cracks and bulges, and listen out for any noises that occur as you drive.
Ensure that your tyres meet the legal minimum limit of 1.6 millimetres across the central three-quarters of the tyre tread. If you insert a 20p coin into the tread and the outer banding of the coin is visible, this indicates that the tyre is below the legal limit.
3. Check your brakes
After a harsh winter, remember to check your car's brake performance since warmer temperatures can impact their effectiveness. As well as poor stopping, listen for squealing or growling sounds when testing your brakes, as well as any pulling or pulling to one side while you drive.
4. Check the air conditioning
When higher temperatures hit, air conditioning is vital to feeling comfortable in the car, especially during long journeys. Make sure that the AC system is working effectively before the weather gets too warm, as it may not have been used in the winter or spring.
If it is not cooling effectively or is pushing out hot air, the refrigerant may need topping up or you may need to re-gas your air-con system with a specialist kit or at a garage.
5. Windscreen and wiper maintenance
Check that your car’s water reservoir is topped up. This will ensure you can use windscreen wipers effectively, particularly during summer when pollen, sap and dust is likely to gather on your windscreen and might not have been washed away by the rain.
It is also important to check if your windscreen wipers blade need replacing. The warmer weather can cause the rubber on your wiper blades to deteriorate and become less effective at clearing your screen.
6. Park in the shade
If possible, park your car in the shade to keep you and your passengers cool, while also protecting your car’s interior and paint exterior from sun damage.
Consider using window shades if you are not able to park in the shade, as these will block out UV heat.
7. Keep your car clean
It may sound obvious, but keeping your car clean is integral to its maintenance all year round. This will prevent any food, such as chocolate or sticky sweets dropped by children, melting into the car’s interior during warmer temperatures.
Vytas Palovis, VP of Growth at Ovoko, adds:
“While the summer months are perfect for longer car journeys, remember to follow these steps to help ensure your car remains reliable and safe this season.
“The stark difference in weather conditions and temperature can greatly impact the performance of your car, especially the coolant level and brakes, so make sure that you are checking these regularly. This can not only save you from costly repairs, but also from a potentially dangerous situation.
“Remember, these maintenance tips are essential throughout the entire year, and if you are unsure about any of these preparations, consult your car manual or speak to a professional.”
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