10 Tips To Prepare Your Car For Summer

Just as winter can harm a vehicle, the intense heat of the sun can also cause damage to different components of a vehicle.The sun’s rays can damage the paintwork, overwork your engine, strain the cooling system and AC and in general wear out all the components in your car. If your car components are already in poor condition  due to the effects of the previous seasons, then the hot weather can result in even more severe damage to the car. So make sure to carry out a few inspections and replacements to ready your car for the rising temperatures and to enjoy a smooth and trouble-free ride.

On sunny days, weak and dim car lights may not be visible enough, which can compromise safety. Inspect your lights at night or in your garage. Switch on all the lights from the headlights to brake lights and make sure all are working and bright enough. If not then change the bulb by yourself. Here's how you can change the tail light bulbs yourself. Also, learn about the advantages of upgrading from halogen to LED bulbs.

The ambient temperature affects the tire air pressure and these fluctuations can cause the tire pressure to increase or decrease from recommended levels. Under and over-inflated tires can cause uneven tire wear, reduce fuel efficiency, worsen handling and comfort and ultimately reduce safety. So it is very important to maintain the correct tire pressure as mentioned in the owner’s manual or on the door sill of the car. 

If you have winter tires installed then start by replacing them with summer tires or all-season tires. The next step is to assess the tire depth which can be done using a tire depth gauge. If the reading is less than 3mm (4/32”) then it is important to  have them replaced. Refer to our tire buying guide to get the right tire according to your requirements. Also, inspect the tires for uneven wear or damage of any sort. 

Check the tire pressure using a tire pressure gauge and accordingly deflate or inflate the tires based on the recommended tire pressure for that wheel. Having the tires at the recommended tire pressure ensures better handling, longer tire life and fewer fuel stops.

Coolant: It is pretty obvious how important a car’s cooling system functioning is in the summer season so the key is to make sure the coolant fluid is at the right level. You can determine the condition of the coolant by examining the brightness and quality of its color. Antifreeze comes in bright colours so if the colour of your coolant is dark or very dull then it may need to be replaced. A bad coolant can harm your engine and even cause internal rusting and pitting, so replacing it is necessary. Here’s how you can check the condition of your engine coolant and carry out a complete coolant flush. 

Fluids and Oils: Engine, transmission, power steering, clutch, brake and any other fluids in your car must be inspected and replaced whenever necessary. The engine oil grade is very important to adhere to since winter grade oil will not function well in the summer’s heat. So stick to the manufacturer-recommended oil grade and follow regular engine oil replacement (according to the regular servicing schedule) to avoid engine seizure caused by high temperatures and lack of lubrication.. Here are all 8 fluids in your car that need to be serviced regularly to prolong various vehicle component lifespans.

Brake inspection should be part of every routine maintenance, especially during summer as the high temperatures can add to the wear of the brake pads, brake shoes and brake rotors and also make it harder for them to cool down faster. Test and examine your brakes for life and replace worn brake components. If the brake effectiveness is reduced then the brake fluid level may be too low or there may be a leak in the brake lines. Examine the brake lines and brake fluid reservoir for any leaks and have the issue fixed asap. Follow these steps to minimize brake components' wear and prolong brake system life.

The summer heat can accelerate the deterioration of plastics and rubber bits in the car even when the vehicle is not driven for long periods of time. The coolant and radiator hoses and many engine pulleys are made of plastic and the drive belts, bumpers and boots from rubber. These components are susceptible to wear and tear and their failure can cause many problems. Look for any tears and/or broken hoses, belts, bellows, bumpers and any such components and have them replaced for proper vehicle functionality.

Suspension bushings like the control arm bushings and sway bar frame bushings endure a lot of stress and strain which can wear them out after prolonged use. Similarly, other suspension components like ball joints, tie rod ends and sway bar links are also under constant stresses and loads which can add to the wear and tear. So it is important to inspect various suspension system and steering components to maintain them in ideal condition. Learn about suspension system maintenance in this guide.

The salt buildup from the winter can cause rust in many metal components. Restoring these damaged parts can make a difference and avoid an unforeseen breakdown in the middle of the burning road.

Most batteries can last a fairly long time, but the winter months can speed up the expiration of the battery. It is vital to check the battery condition regularly and replace it when the time comes to avoid excess load on the charging and electrical system of the vehicle. The battery can be checked with a multimeter or battery tester or you can also have it inspected by a mechanic to ascertain its condition. A properly functioning battery and alternator are necessary to handle all the extra electrical loads the vehicle may face during the summer. To ensure proper functioning of the charging system, it is important to have it checked, which can be conveniently done using a battery tester.. Also, look for corroded battery terminal contacts. If there is corrosion, clean it with a solution of baking soda and water to establish a better connection.. For more tips on prolonging battery life refer to this article.

Winter takes a heavy toll on the wiper blades. Also, winter wiper blades do not work well in the summer. So replacing them is crucial to get a clear view when the rain hits the windshield on a stormy afternoon. Refill the washer fluid and test if the wiper motor is functioning properly.

The harmful UV rays of the sun can cause the paint to degrade, become dull, and even chip. To combat this, thoroughly clean the car with the proper cleaning liquid and wax the paint to give it a layer of protection against the rays. This not only protects the paintwork but also increases the lifespan of the paint and rust inhibition of the bodywork.