How to Look After Your Car This Summer

The summer months can present a challenge to our vehicles as the temperatures start to soar. Luckily, there are some simple steps that car owners can take to ensure their car cruises through the hot weather without any issues.

Keep Things Cool

As the thermostat climbs, we all want a cool sanctuary inside our car, so having your air conditioning unit checked and the gas topped up before the summer rush is a great idea. But it is not only you that needs protecting from the hot weather. Your car engine also needs help to stay cool, and overheating can be an expensive and dangerous occurrence. Check the coolant levels in your car engine before it gets hot, and now is an excellent time to conduct a thorough inspection of all the hoses and the coolant reservoir. Ensure there are no leaks present, and the hoses are still firm and in good condition.

Check the Belt

Before you rush off to check, your seatbelt is fully functional (which is, of course, imperative), this is referring to the engine belt. This is not only responsible for the power steering and the alternator but is especially important in the summer months as it keeps your air conditioning and water pump functioning correctly. If your car is making squealing or chirping noises, your belt has cracks or visible signs of wear, or even if your car seems to be breaking down regularly, then it may be time to replace the engine belt. Take your car down to your garage and have them check for you.

Use Sun Protection

Just as we use sunscreen to protect our skin from the sun’s harmful rays, your car also needs a helping hand in the summer months. Excessive exposure to sun not only makes car seats scorching hot to sit on and plays havoc with your leather interior, but sun and heat can also fade and crack the paint. Consider parking in the shade or even better, inside a garage during the hot days. If you don’t have a garage, consider investing in a portable car garage as an affordable option and make sure you think about replacement cover kits if your portable garage sustains any damage.

Expect Heavy Showers

Of course, it is not all heatwaves and sunshine in the summer months, and we should all be prepared for the heavy showers that can suddenly arrive when we least expect it. This can lead to extremely poor visibility when driving, so it is essential to check your windscreen wipers at the start of summer. Run your finger over them and check for cracks or any damage. They are relatively easy and cheap to replace, so do not despair if you do find some damage.

Heavy showers can also lead to bodies of water on the road, which in turn can lead to accidents. One way to prepare for this is to ensure that your car tires are in excellent condition with enough tread to help in these instances.