Summer’s here. And with temperatures rising fast, it’s time to think about how best to care for your car during the sweltering heat. And no, we’re not just talking about throwing up a sun shield and hoping for the best. This blog will walk you through all the steps you can take right now to ensure your car is best equipped for the summer months. After all, no one wants to be caught out in the emergency lane waiting for a tow.
Whether you’re planning a road trip or settling in for the holidays, here are our top car maintenance tips for summer.
1. Check your tyres
With soaring temperatures, Summer is the most brutal month for our vehicles. As the only point of contact with the road, our tyres can easily be compromised in extreme heat. An incorrectly inflated tyre, a worn patch that reduces grip, and a leak or puncture all make your drive less safe and increase your fuel consumption simultaneously. The tyres on your car should be carefully checked every month to make sure that they are compliant with the required tyre pressures. The tread should be at least 3mm deep, and they should be replaced if this is not the case. If you’re planning a long road trip, don’t forget about your spare tyre, that’s your lifeline if you get stuck.
2. Fix your air conditioning
A fully functioning air conditioning system is what keeps you alive during summer – so don’t let it escape your list. Any odd smells, sounds or other malfunctions you may notice should not go un-fixed. Be sure to prioritise your air conditioning system this summer, and check every vent is working fine. It’s also a good idea to wipe away any dust that may have built up over time – this can become a health hazard and in summer it’s essential that you’re breathing in clean air.
3. Change your oil
Your engine oil is the lifeblood of your car which keeps parts lubricated and cool when things get hot. When the oil level gets too low or if it’s dirty, it can easily cause the engine to seize up. Summer is a great time for an engine change, and a detailed schedule should be provided in your owner’s manual. While you’re sorting out the oil, it’s a good idea to check the other fluid levels at the same time. Make sure to regularly check fluids, such as oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid, your car will work better and be less likely to let you down this summer.
4. Give your radiator some love
Your Subaru engine is designed to run perfectly at high temperatures, but ignoring a faulty radiator can be your engine’s undoing on a hot summer day. Any issues like cracked hoses, loose or fraying belts, leaks or even a loose radiator cap can become a serious issue for your car and result in overheating. Be sure to check in and around your radiator regularly to make sure it remains in good shape.
5. Fix that engine check light
Ignoring an engine alert during summer is a recipe for disaster. This is a bad tactic, especially if you’re planning a long drive or a trip into the outback. An engine check light is not a precise diagnostic tool, but it does indicate that something is wrong. This could be something trivial like a loosened fuel filler cap, or it could be a far worse problem that will get even worse over time. Be sure to fix any lingering issues before you set off and end up stranded waiting for help.
6. Replace your windscreen wipers
Of all the car maintenance tips for summer, this one probably gets overlooked the most. Windscreen wipers get a solid workout over the wetter months, and come summer, it may be time to say goodbye to those troopers and hello to some fresh blood. Fully functioning wipers are critical – especially in summer when dust and salt can begin to coat your windscreen. Make a note to include this on your pre-summer service, or just let the team here at City Subaru know and we’ll take care of this for you.
7. Park your car in the shade (whenever you can)
As one of the little-known summer car maintenance tips, this one can save you big time.
Summer heat and UV rays from the sun can wreak havoc on your bodywork. If you don’t have an undercover garage at your home or work, leaving your car exposed for extended periods of time puts the paint on your car at risk of paling, and in extreme circumstances cracking. Parking your car in the shade wherever and whenever you can help you preserve your bodywork and keep your vehicle looking fresh.
8. Prepare your car for summer with City Subaru
Ensuring your car is ready for the summer heat is an essential consideration – especially with record temperatures on the way. If you see any issues that can be easily fixed, it’s always best to get these out of the way before you head off on your summer road trip. Bring your Subaru to your closest Subaru dealers, and get ahead this season with the experts.
If you’re searching for exciting new car sales Perth or eager to get the service your car desperately needs, visit City Subaru, and we will happily assist you.