How To Take Great Care Of Your Car During The Summer Months
Warm summer weather provides you with an opportunity to spend time with people that you love, enjoying fun outdoor activities. Whether you are lounging by the pool or hiking in the mountains, the last thing you are probably thinking about is your car. As it turns out, however, summer car care is essential if you want to keep your vehicle in great shape. Hot weather can do a number on your vehicle if it is not properly maintained. Check out these ten helpful tips on caring for your car during the summer to ensure that it runs smoothly all season long.
Experts like Brian Moody from Auto Trader are the first ones to acknowledge that summer heat can take a toll on a vehicle. When the weather is hot, it forces cars to work harder, increasing the likelihood of them breaking down. To avoid any problems, make sure to put the following tips into action.
Avoid Overheating - When it is hot outside, you probably take steps to keep yourself from overheating such as sitting in the shade or drinking cool beverages. Similarly, your car also needs to stay cool. Check the level of coolant in your radiator. Inspect all of the hoses to make sure that they are in good shape and that they aren't showing signs of wear.
Check your belts - Belts that are loose or worn can keep your car from running the way that it should. In particular, pay attention to the serpentine belt that connects your fan and alternator. Check it for signs of wear and verify that it is at the correct tension. Consider replacing the belt if necessary.
Make sure you can see clearly - During the summer, unexpected rainstorms can make it hard to see when you are driving if your wipers are not in good shape. Consider replacing the blades to make sure that they function the way they should. If you don't want to do the work yourself, ask to have your wiper blades replaced when you get your oil changed.
Check your fluid levels - In order to run efficiently, cars require a number of different fluids. Check all of the fluid levels in your vehicle including your brake fluid, oil, power steering fluid, and washer fluid.
Test your air conditioner - Nothing is worse than driving on a hot summer day without air-conditioning. Before the temperatures start to rise, test your air conditioner to make sure that it is working properly. If not, take it to a mechanic to have it repaired or recharged.
Change your filters - When it comes to driving, having good airflow is essential. Make sure your air filter is clean, replacing it if necessary. Take a look at the owner's manual for your vehicle to see if there are any other filters that you need to check, as well. Some newer models have special filters designed to reduce pollen or to filter the air in the vehicle. These filters may also need to be replaced.
Test your tire pressure - Driving on tires that are not properly inflated can be dangerous. Always check the tire pressure before driving. Additionally, inspect the tires to make sure that they don't have any rocks or nails stuck in them. Look for signs of wear such as cracking, worn tread, or uneven wear patterns. Make sure that your spare is in great shape, as well.
Use a sunshade - Sunshades are surprisingly effective - especially when you consider how affordable they are. Popping up a shade in your front window is a great way to minimize fading caused by UV rays. It can also help keep your car from getting too hot when it is parked in the sun.
Wash your car often - During the summer, the sun is out a lot more often. Late in the day, it tends to be low in the sky. If your windshield is dirty or streaky, this can create a lot of glare. Regularly washing your car and cleaning the windshield is the best way to ensure that you can always see clearly when you are on the road. Additionally, if you have any cracks in your windscreen sort them now via auto glass repair before winter comes.Tips for Windscreen Care
1. Keep It Clean
The vision you have as you peer through the car windows should be clear. Therefore, they should be clean, inside and out.
Baby wipes can offer the simplest and easiest way of cleaning the inside of the windows. They give a spotless, streak free clean, which is not the case when you use paper towels that even leave a bit of paper fluff on the surface.
On the outside, use warm water mixed with the recommended detergent and a light microfiber cloth or a squeegee to mop and clean the windows.
2. Water Spots
Water spots are not somewhat investable when it comes to washing the car; they tend to become more evident a few days after giving the car a clean. Failure to remove them, the spots turn into stubborn stains that can even damage the windows.
To prevent these from appearing after washing your vehicle, use a quality glass polish to give the surfaces are a final wipe before buffing and polishing the windows with a dry microfiber towel.
3. Do Not Forget The Wipers?
As you take care of the windscreen and the windows including the rear one, do not forget the wipers. Remember that these are part of the windshield and need to be cleaned and wiped too.
You can do this using a dampened cloths and apply a bit of pressure to remove any grime or dirt. Clean wipers do not leave streaks on the windows as the blades run over the surface.
4. Dealing With Any Chip or Crack
Chips and cracks may be somewhat unpreventable, especially the minor ones since the vehicle is hit by all manner of tiny debris such as gravels and grains when traveling at high speeds. These small objects can cause severe or minor damages.
That small chip or crack you may overlook can turn into serious risk. Have the windscreen and windows inspected by a professional, and any replacements done if necessary.
5. Remember The Rear Windscreen
Of all the windows on a car, the rear windscreen receives the least attention. It needs the same level of care and attention as the front one. Check the rear windscreen for chips and cracks as you wash it and remember to clean its wipe is it has one.
Finally
Plan ahead for hot days - If you are planning a road trip when it is hot outside, check that you have all the supplies that you need. Bring along plenty of fresh beverages so that you can stay hydrated. You should also pack sunglasses to avoid glare. In case of an emergency, keep a few simple tools and a flashlight on hand. Double check to make sure that your license hasn't expired and that your insurance policy is still active. Finally, check your records to make sure that your vehicle doesn't need to be serviced before hitting the road.
