Summer lovin’…….

Summer is creeping up on us and never has there been a time more important to ensure your vehicle is in peak condition to keep you safe and protected from the summer heat. As much as winter can be rough on our vehicles, scorching heat and high humidity bring its own set of challenges, making summer car care equally essential.

To prepare your vehicle to deal with summer conditions and prevent eye-popping repair bills later, we recommend a run through this vehicle checklist before driving on those harsh summer days.

1. CHANGE YOUR OIL

You probably heard it from your dad a long time ago, and it’s just as true now as it was for his ’75 Holden/Ford wagon– get your motor oil changed at regular intervals. If anything, it’s truer now than it was then. A 10,000km interval between changes is good for when your car is in regular use, however if you have a tow vehicle that doesn’t get much use, laying idol between trips, you should have a full service and safety check prior to going on a trip. Be sure to check your owner’s manual for manufacturer’s recommendations on brand and weight of oil as well as oil change intervals. Some vehicles’ engines are engineered for the anti-corrosion agents, friction modifiers, gasket conditioners and other additives in proprietary formulations of motor oil. Using another type of oil can cause damage in the long run and can invalidate a warranty.

2. CHECK THE COOLANT

The coolant in your vehicle’s radiator works triple time in summer. In addition to keeping your car from overheating, coolant guards against corrosion and lubricates your water pump. However, coolant degrades and loses its effectiveness, so you should change out conventional coolant each one to two years, and extended life coolant every five years. Booking you vehicle in for a service and safety check, you mechanic will also inspect all the important hoses and clamps to see if they require replacement  – see check 6 below.

3. TEST THE BATTERY

With all the computers and technology loaded into today’s cars, the car battery has never been more important, and summer can be harder on a battery than winter.  Years ago, when a battery failed, you usually realized it when the vehicle didn’t start. You replaced it, reset the clock and radio stations and you were back on the road. Today cars come into our shop with symptoms of stalling, check engine lights, memory loss and antitheft no-start problems, all that have a relationship to a weak car battery. When you get in your car and start the engine, the starter motor puts a huge load on the electrical system. Even though the car may sound normal as it starts, it is that load of the starter can make the system voltage drop well below normal if the battery is getting weak. The low voltage is what causes issues with the many computers and modules that depend on a stable voltage. Because of this we recommend replacing car batteries prior to it failing fully much more often than we ever did before.

So, no need to panic. We can perform a starting and charging system test or a battery “health test” next time you are in for service at Road & Track. By performing regular inspections and reasonable maintenance, you are less likely to have an unexpected failure.

4. CHECK THE A/C

Air conditioning systems have a way of quitting at the worst possible time. Take pre-emptive action and get your air-conditioning system checked before the summer months really heat up; we can run some diagnostic tests. In many cases, if your A/C isn’t blowing quite as cold, the fix could be as simple as topping off the refrigerant with A/C Pro or even replacing blocked cabin filters.

5. INSPECT THE TYRES

Check the tread on your vehicle’s tyres. Rain-slick roads shorten stopping distances and impair manoeuvrability. Poor tyre tread worsens both conditions, so replace your tires as needed. It is often recommended you should rotate your tyres; however, some tyres are directional and cannot be rotated. You should also be sure to frequently check the air pressure.

Changes in temperature affect your tyre pressure – big temperature drops will cause your tyres to lose pressure more quickly. This can lead to inferior performance and reduced gas mileage. Make sure to check the pressure first thing in the morning. The heat of the day, and particularly driving, will inflate your tyres a little and you want to check them when they are cold. Low air pressure can lead to inferior performance and reduced gas mileage.

6. CHECK BELTS AND HOSES

Inspect your belts and hoses for evidence of damage. Rubber deteriorates over time so belts should be replaced if they are cracked, fraying, or glazed. Hoses should also be checked for cracks, as well as swelling and leaks–especially around clamps. The heat and humidity of summer will only make these conditions worse and may cause a breakdown.

7. REPLACE WIPER BLADES

You will want a sturdy set of windshield wiper blades to ensure good visibility during summer thunderstorms. Replace your blades if they are showing signs of wear, including splitting, cracking, or skipping, or if they’re more than six months old. On that note it is also advantageous to check your windscreen’s washer water bottle to ensure it is full and include a special washer additive to help clean that windscreen when needed.  Also, check the washer jets to ensure they are working properly providing a good spray coverage for cleaning.

8. INSPECT THE BRAKES

Road trips and towing boats, caravans or trailers will put your brakes to the test this summer. Make sure they ace the exam, with a basic check-up.

If you are planning a road trip over the summer months or even just looking to take the boat and caravan to the river – make plans and book your vehicle in for a full service and safety check at least one week ahead of your trip to ensure there is time to address any possible problems. Let us ensure your vehicle gets some “Summer Lovin” so you can enjoy your “Summer Nights”