Summer care for your car

During summer, it can become difficult to maintain a vehicle's maximum performance as heat and humidity affect both exteriors and interiors. Regular maintenance and proper attention to any irregularity can keep your car well-maintained, even during difficult weather.

Here are some simple measures to be wary of when it comes to your car's summer care.

Car battery

Batteries are vital to maintenance, especially in summer. The summer heat can cause it to corrode, bulge or crack, so you have to inspect it at the start of every season. Strap it down in place properly and keep it clean. Continuously riding a car for a long time in summer makes the car battery hot. To reduce the rising heat, check the battery for alerts. Clean it regularly and give it a break when the battery gets excessively hot. Keep the voltage between 12.6 volts to 14.5 volts to avoid putting excessive pressure on your car.

Air filters

The summer humidity and heat cause dust particles to accumulate in the air filters, causing various internal issues. Clean the air filters regularly for adequate airflow into the air conditioner. Check whether the filters are in the right condition and get them changed if necessary. The airflow in and out of the car's air conditioner depends on these filters. When dirty, it will hamper fresh and cool air from passing through.

Air conditioner

Since the use of air conditioners increases the most during summer, this is one component that requires extra care and attention. Before summer starts, check your air conditioning system and get it recharged. Low freon on the AC will not cool down your car. The gas, air filters, coolant and refrigerant need to be checked. Any leak of the AC can also cause it to not function. Remember to check the fluids as well. If there is a problem with the filter, you can clean it easily. But if there is a leaking issue, you will need to take it to a mechanic.

Coolants

Checking on the coolant falls under the general category of check-up of your car for summer. Make sure that the coolant is standard and certified for your vehicle. And you must check when the engine is cooled down. Coolant is responsible for keeping the temperature of the engines balanced. It is a mixture of water and antifreeze, so if you are planning on diluting coolant, you should use distilled water. Refilling coolants require caution and accuracy. Use water and antifreeze in the ratio of 1:1 for refilling purposes at home. Let the engine cool down before opening the coolant cap to check it, as checking a hot engine can cause burns. 

Checking car fluids

The most important parts of your car will not work properly in case of a fluid leak. Fluids are responsible for keeping your vehicle lubricated and functional. Fluids like engine oil keep your wheels running. Moreover, windshield cleaners are also necessary to keep the windshields clean. Check for signs of leaks to avoid accidents. You can take your vehicle for a maintenance check and replace old and stale fluids with new ones before the summer. Doing so should ensure a trouble-free summer for your car. 

Tyre texture and pressure

Tyres come in direct contact with the road. Excessive heat can alter the tire in the summer and cause it to tear. The tyre needs to stay at an appropriate pressure as instructed by the manufacturer of your car company. If it increases or decreases, it can cause accidents. Also, make sure that your car has enough treads while riding on highways, as it can produce heat if not treated enough. Check the air pressure and treads of the tyres before hitting a long ride in the summer. 

Other factors

There are various other tips that you can practise to keep your car safe in the summer. Using reflective paints can decrease discolouration in the summer. A no-brainer is parking your car in shades to keep the engine protected from excessive heat. You can also opt for interior protectants like sunshades, cotton covers and curtains to reduce heat. Ventilating and cooling seat covers are another way to keep yourself comfortable inside your car in summer. Keeping your window glasses slightly open dissipates the hot air inside the cars. 

Self-care

Finally and importantly, the driver must stay hydrated while driving. Dehydration and heat strokes are quite common during summers. So it is necessary to maintain self-care when driving in excess heat. Keep an emergency kit inside your car to deal with unprecedented scenarios or accidents. Keep in mind that even if you maintain your car with the utmost care, you might not guarantee random mishaps. But it is still necessary to stay prepared for any situation beforehand. Remember to check your car regularly so you can enjoy relaxing rides all season long.