Seasonal Car Care: How To Take Care of Your Vehicle This Summer

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Seasonal Car Care: How To Take Care of Your Vehicle This Summer

Summer is all about long, hot days and adventurous drives to exciting places. Okay, it means a few warmer days and possibly being stuck in long holiday traffic queues. But there will still be specific demands on your car, due to the increased temperatures and because the average car is likely to undertake some longer journeys. Ensuring your vehicle is in good order should help you arrive safely and comfortably. Here are our top tips for summer maintenance.

Check your fluids

Warmer weather means a car’s engine has to work harder to stay cool. You should ensure the coolant reservoir - usually found under the bonnet - is topped-up to the correct level and with the correct ratio of coolant to water.

Remember to check oil levels, especially before longer drives, and top up as necessary with the correct grade. Some cars have a menu option to check the level electronically from within the car.

While there should be sensors to alert for low levels, checking the reservoirs for brakes, clutch and power steering is also sensible.

Do ensure your washer fluid is topped-up (remember it’s illegal to have an empty bottle) and that you use the correct amount of washer fluid. Washer fluid doesn’t just stop water freezing in winter, it helps clean the windscreen. Don’t use washing up liquid as this will foam too much.

It’s worth referring to your car’s hand book and if you are unsure about these checks, your car dealer or local garage will be able to help. Some offer a specific summer health check.

Keep your view clear

Dry days can leave a layer of dust on the windscreen which is harder to see through, especially in bright sunshine. And summer is the time for bugs which can also obscure a driver’s view. So even if you don’t wash the whole car, do clean the windows, lights and number plates.

Also replace worn wiper blades to allow the screen to be wiped effectively and keep a pair of sunglasses in the car to avoid being dazzled.

Stay cool

Remaining calm on warm days is safer than being hot and bothered at the wheel. So if your car has air conditioning (or full climate control) then use it. If it isn’t effective in cooling the car’s interior, visit your garage or call a specialist to get it fixed.

If your car has a glass sunroof or panoramic roof, it will probably have a blind too. Closing this will help keep the cabin cooler and cut out some of the glare.

Check tyre pressures

Gasses expand with heat and this includes the air in your car tyres. Over-inflated tyres can have a higher risk of punctures. So it is worth checking and adjusting the pressures to ensure they are correct.

Manufacturers usually recommend slightly higher pressures if you are planning to drive your car fully laden. So if you are using it for your summer holiday with more people and luggage, you may need to add more air. Pressure information can usually be found on the back of the petrol filler flap or one of the door frames (and certainly in the car’s hand book).

And because your are a conscientious motorist, you already check the condition and tread of your tyres on a regular basis, right?

Look after the passengers

A calm driver and passengers is not only more pleasurable on a long journey but also safer. So having drinks in the car can help everyone stay hydrated and feeling more comfortable when stuck in traffic on a hot day. If travelling with your pet, remember to make regular stops and provide sufficient drinking water.

If you have hay fever, remember to take any medication as sneezing at the wheel can be dangerous. Many cars have pollen filters so keep windows closed and use the air conditioning.

Other differences when driving in summer

After driving your car, you may spot puddles of water beneath it. These are probably due to condensed water from your air conditioning system (although it is always wise to check).

The engine fan might stay on after the ignition has been switched off. This is normal. In hotter conditions, the car will keep the fan running until the engine has cooled sufficiently.

It is possible your car won’t feel quite as quick as it does in winter. This is because warmer air is less dense and therefore there will be slightly less oxygen fed into the engine.

About the Author

Andrew is a freelance motoring journalist with a background in IT and the vehicle leasing industry. With a lifetime’s passion for all things automotive, he can be found behind the wheel of everything from vans to supercars. In addition to reviewing the latest vehicles and technology, Andrew also runs a couple of classic British motors. He lives at the edge of the Peak District with his son and cat.

Andrew Wright
@theMotorWriter