Winter is notorious for posing challenges to motorists and the vehicles they drive. You might be feeling relieved now that it’s over. But now isn’t the time for complacency. It’s easy to overlook the problems posed by summertime, and it’s worth taking a moment to think about how to deal with the challenges that lie ahead.
Checking and Replacing Lights for Summer Nights
Since the daylight hours stretch late into the evening during summer, we’re less reliant on our headlights. But this can sometimes trip us up, since it might get us out of the habit of checking and replacing our headlight bulbs. To put it another way, you might not notice that a bulb is out until you’re stuck out in the dark.
You can avoid this problem in two ways. First, get into the habit of checking the lights, particularly before you head out on a long trip. Second, keep a supply of spare bulbs in the vehicle, and learn how to perform the replacement.
Changing and Maintaining Tyres
Your tyres are among your vehicle’s most essential components. They provide you with a means of gripping the road, and thus have an enormous impact on your performance and fuel efficiency.
Get into the habit of regularly re-inflating yours, and check the depth of the tread. It should be well above the legal minimum of 1.6mm. You can buy tyres online, and either replace them yourself or get a mechanic to do it for you.
Essential Oil and Coolant Checks Before Trips
You’ll also need to look at your engine oil and coolant. This matters particularly on very hot days, when overheating becomes a problem.
Oil is there to reduce friction and distribute heat; coolant is there so that the radiator can do its job properly. Learn how to check and replace both. The viscosity grades make a big difference, and it’s worth learning what they signify.
Summer Battery Care for Uninterrupted Journeys
If you’re planning a long trip during summer, you’ll need a battery that’s in good condition. If it should fail, your trip will be brought to a sudden and premature halt.
Keep jumper cables in the car, and make sure that you’re caring for the battery. Older batteries lose their ability to hold a charge, so it might be worth shopping proactively for a replacement, particularly if you’re planning a long trip.
The Importance of Air Conditioning Checks
Of course, summer is the time when our air conditioning systems are under the most stress. It’s a good idea to check that everything is working properly before the really hot weather arrives. Do this yourself, or book your vehicle in for maintenance.
