The harsh summer sun can hurt your vehicle more than you know. Not only does it damage the exterior of your car’s paintwork and the dashboard, but it affects all connecting vehicle functions. If you do not perform regular maintenance checks in summer, especially if you use your vehicle every day for long-distance driving, you could easily find yourself stranded on the side of the road. Here are a few tips for keeping your car cool, in good shape, and safe for you and those around you on the roads:
Check your vehicle’s fluid levels
The engine is what powers your vehicle. Your coolants and other connecting parts help the car to operate, so if those systems are not running smoothly you will cause your engine to overheat. There are various warning signs, like flashing lights and steam blowing out of your bonnet, that will start to happen before your vehicle cuts out. These are all results of poor maintenance checks.
Not checking your fluids regularly in the summer months is irresponsible, and could result in an expensive and unnecessary repair. From engine oil and water to brake fluid, these liquids help to keep your engine lubricated, avoiding wear and tear on connecting parts. When your engine is not lubricated, it builds up heat which causes friction. Whether or not your warning signs have switched on, monitor the feeling you get when you’re driving. If anything seems suspicious, inspect it immediately.
- Check your car’s battery to avoid a breakdown
Warm temperatures can cause your car’s battery to be faulty. Because of the heat generated by the motor and the sun, batteries are more prone to losing electrolytes as a result of evaporation. In fact, before anything else, a faulty battery is one of the main causes of a breakdown. Since batteries don’t necessarily show precautionary signs of damage, it is advised that you get yours replaced after five years of use.
- Make sure your windscreen wipers can still do the job
With the constant change in Gauteng’s weather conditions, summer means blistering hot and stormy, rainy weather all wrapped up in one day. In these moments, you need to have a good set of windscreen wipers that do the job and grip well. Some second-hand cars haven’t got new wipers on them, which can tell you a lot about the car’s maintenance and condition. So, when you’re looking at cars for sale in Kempton Park and surrounds, look at the condition of the overall vehicle before you purchase something. The weather in which a car has been standing in or has been involved in prior to your purchase could seriously impact the performance of your vehicle down the line.
- Keep out of the sun to prolong your vehicle’s paint
The sun is known to take the sparkle out of your vehicle, inside and outside. It’s important to take pride in your car’s paintwork by rubbing wax or polish onto the outside of your car every month or two to prolong the paint job. When you leave your vehicle in the sun every day, the paint starts to fade and can sometimes cause corrosion on the body. If possible, try parking in areas that are underground or underneath a tree to avoid the sun from beating down onto your vehicle. Not only is it bad for the paint but it will damage the interior.
- Check that your air-conditioning system is working properly
Vehicles that have air-conditioning should only use it if it’s necessary. Do not switch it on unless your vents are closed, as that allows air from outside to enter the vehicle. If the amount of coolness is not what it used to be, you might have a leak that you need to have checked out. These systems consume a lot of petrol, so make sure you have enough fuel to run your aircon without getting stuck.
- Check your tyres for cracks
Believe it or not, your tyres are extremely sensitive and more prone to punctures and tyre bursts in the summer months. Vehicles are sizzling hot as well as the roads, and together this friction can be a bad combination. Makes sure that you check your tyres regularly for wear and tear purposes, and for the tyre pressure condition. Your treads should be free of stones, nails and any other sharp objects that could affect your driving. When your tyres are in good condition, it means that there are no cracks and plenty of treading. If you do not check your treading, your vehicle is not safe and could cause an accident.
Whether you are Driving, Riding Cycling or Walking… Keep hydrated in the heat of Summer!! Do Not leave the Elderly, Children and Pets locked inside Vehicles! #ArriveAlive pic.twitter.com/H2ppylTV86
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) December 8, 2017