Maintaining a car during the scorching summer months can be particularly challenging due to the extreme heat and its impact on various vehicle components. Before we talk about the car care tips let’s first undertand the key challenges of maintaining a car during summer:
☀️ Challenges of Car Maintenance in Summer
1. Overheating Engine
- High ambient temperatures can cause the engine to overheat, especially if the cooling system isn’t in top shape.
- Radiators, hoses, and coolant levels need constant monitoring.
2. Battery Drain
- Heat accelerates chemical reactions inside the battery, which can shorten its lifespan.
- Fluid evaporation and corrosion at terminals are common.
3. Tire Pressure Fluctuations
- Hot roads cause air inside tires to expand, increasing pressure and the risk of blowouts.
- Requires frequent pressure checks and adjustments.
4. AC System Strain
- The air conditioning system works harder in summer, which can lead to compressor wear or refrigerant leaks.
- Regular servicing is essential to maintain cooling efficiency.
5. Fluid Evaporation
- Brake fluid, transmission fluid, and engine oil can evaporate or degrade faster in heat.
- Needs more frequent top-ups and checks.
6. Interior Damage
- Prolonged sun exposure can crack dashboards, fade upholstery, and warp plastic components.
- Using sunshades and parking in the shade helps, but doesn’t eliminate the risk.
7. Fuel Efficiency Drops
- Engines may run less efficiently in extreme heat, especially with AC running constantly.
- This can lead to increased fuel consumption.
8. Brake System Stress
- Heat can reduce brake fluid effectiveness and increase wear on brake pads.
- Braking performance may degrade if not maintained properly.
Answering the above challenges, let’s look at the car care tips for summer now.
🚗 Car Care Tips for Summer
1. Check and Maintain Coolant Levels
- Ensure the radiator is filled with the correct coolant-water mix.
- Inspect hoses for leaks or cracks.
2. Monitor Engine Temperature
- Keep an eye on the temperature gauge.
- If it rises unusually, stop and let the engine cool.
3. Battery Health
- Heat can evaporate battery fluid and damage internal components.
- Clean terminals and check for corrosion.
4. Tire Pressure
- Hot roads increase tire pressure—check it weekly.
- Overinflated or underinflated tires can lead to blowouts.
- Most of car these days have in-build tyre pressure monitoring system. Keep an eye on it for any fluctuations.
5. Air Conditioning System
- Get the AC serviced before peak summer.
- Replace cabin air filters for better airflow.
- Turn on AC after turning on the car ignition.
6. Protect the Interior
- Use sunshades to prevent dashboard cracking and fading.
- Park in the shade or use a car cover.
7. Wiper Blades and Washer Fluid
- Replace worn-out wipers.
- Summer dust can reduce visibility—keep washer fluid topped up.
8. Car Parking and shades
- If possible, park your car in the shade to avoid direct sun.
- Use sun shades in the car to avoid heating of the air inside. This will put less pressure on your car AC and help save fuel and battery as well.
We hope this post would be useful for people looking to understand and maintain their car during summer.
Happy Summers!
