6 ways to take care of your car during summers

Published April 15, 2016
Views : 50522
3 min read

Be it the blistering heat wave in Delhi or a humid and sweltering day in Mumbai, the summers are now in full effect in the country. And as big a task it is to step out of an air conditioned office when the sun is out, imagine what your car must be going through under the sun – right from its paint down to the tyres! We thus list out certain important steps you need to employ in order to protect your car from the relentless sun.

1. Keep the fluids in check

The summer heat adds to the already high temperatures under the hood of your car and it is thus the place where you need to have a look firstly. The easy access to controlling fluid levels in modern cars though makes this exercise rather stress-free. Apart from the motor oil and windshield washer fluid, one should be particularly careful about the coolant. This is generally done through the coolant reservoir located under the hood.

Warning: NEVER open the radiator cap or coolant tank lid when the engine is hot!

2. Check air-pressure in tyres regularly

As the outside temperature climbs, the air in your car's tyres expands, so check your tyre pressure when the tyres are at a normal temperature every fortnight, if not every week. Also, be sure to use the proper tyre pressure for your car, not the maximum pressure listed on the tyre sidewall. Check the recommended tyre pressure, or consult your owner's manual.

3. Park right, protect the paint

The bodypaint of the car is what suffers the most under the scorching sunlight, so be good to it and park your car under a canopy whenever possible during these months. Also regularly wax your vehicle using a polish with UV protection to reduce sun damage and paint fading. Simple steps can also be employed to protect the inside of the car similarly. You can invest in a sunshade that keeps sunlight from coming in the windshield can reduce fading, drying and cracking inside your vehicle, and keep you cooler when you sit down behind the wheel.

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4. Fuel economy check

One of the most conspicuous summer effects on your car is lowered fuel economy. Thus, in order to keep a check on your fuel returns, schedule periodic maintenance drills like oil and filter changes and inspection or replacement of the air cleaner and fuel filters. Not only are these essential to the durability of your engine in the long term, but neglecting them will cause poor fuel economy in the short term, too.

5. Clean the battery

Summer heat can speed up the chemical reaction inside a battery, causing the battery to be overcharged. This can dramatically shorten the lifespan of your battery. Heat can also damage the battery by evaporating internal battery fluid. Thus, in order to avoid this damage to your battery, regularly detach its cables and wipe off the terminals. Make sure the battery is strapped down tightly and that all connections are secure. If you suspect that your battery is being overcharged or isn't holding a charge well, take it to a service shop where they can run a quick battery inspection.

6. Maintain the air-conditioning; you’ll need it the most

Last but not the least, it will all boil down to the air conditioning of your car on a hot sunny day. According to experts, the best way to determine if your air conditioner has a problem is if it can't generate or maintain air temperatures that are 10 degrees Celsius below the outside air temperature. The most common cause of a malfunctioning air conditioning unit is a low level of refrigerant. Check for leakages and if the problem persists then show it to an expert.

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