We’ve all driven past poor souls broken down in the height of summer, car laden with suitcases, waiting to be towed and whispered a silent prayer of thanks it isn’t us.
But the trouble with breaking down or indeed, having to deal with maintenance issues, is that they can happen to all of us car drivers in the summer just as much as in the winter. The difference is what we do about it.
While you can’t remove the possibility of breakdown entirely a little bit of summer car maintenance goes a long way in keeping you on the road and off the hard shoulder.
High temperatures can put a strain on your car’s engine, causing damage. Surprisingly, cars aren’t very efficient at turning chemical energy into mechanical energy, and in doing so, they generate a huge amount of heat, which needs to be removed. The radiator and coolant system are responsible for this, but only if the system is in good condition.
Regularly check your vehicle’s coolant levels and keep them topped up to manufacturer specifications. Inspect the hoses and pipes for any leaks and get them changed promptly if you notice a problem. And lastly, if you get a low coolant notification, don’t put it off until later – top it up straight away.
It’s not just coolant you should be concerned with; you should regularly check all the fluids your car needs to run smoothly. Engine oil, brake fluid and windscreen washer fluid should all be kept at appropriate levels.
If the temperature is consistently hot, it may cause the levels of the various fluids to drop faster than normal. Additionally, oil becomes slightly thinner in warm weather, which can affect its effectiveness, and you may need an oil change more frequently. If in doubt, get your garage to take a quick look.
You might assume tyres aren’t so much of an issue in the summer months. After all, there’s no ice and extra grip to worry about. But the hotter temperatures will make the rubber softer, increasing wear and tear and raising the risk of blowouts.
Aside from investing in good quality tyres, you should make checking them and their tread part of your routine summer maintenance. The legal limit in the UK is 1.6mm, which applies across the central three-quarters of the tyre, but many experts recommend replacing them when they still have around 3mm left on them, as tyres degrade significantly below 3mm.
Those lovely summer temperatures can stress your battery too. While warmth can increase the chemical reactions in your battery, it can also increase the rate at which it degrades. If you’re visiting your garage for a service or MOT, make sure they test the charge and health of your battery too, especially if it’s over three years old. According to the RAC, battery failure is the most common cause of breakdowns, accounting for almost 20%, so getting yours replaced before it fails can save you time and hassle.
Beyond the battery, tyres and coolant, there are a few other things you can do to keep your car healthy in the heat.
Get in contact with the team at EvolveArc today!
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