Car Maintenance And Servicing Tips For Summer


Soon, summer will be upon us, and with it, a whole new suite of car problems. Driving a car during extreme winter can be challenging, sure, but it is equally true for summer when you have to combat the scorching sun while ensuring that your car doesn't overheat. Keeping that in mind, we have prepared the following blog to help our readers with a few car maintenance and servicing tips pertaining to summer. 

Check Your Air Conditioner

The very first thing you need to do when summer arrives is to check the AC unit in the car. This is not only to ensure it is functional but will also improve its ability to work throughout the season, reducing the number of times you need to go for car repairs in Newbury. People don't use the AC after autumn, and it remains nonoperational during the better half of the year, thus requiring proper maintenance before it can be used during summer. Common car repairs and servicing include replacing the refrigerant, condenser, or compressor, depending on what’s wrong with your AC.

Keep Your Engine Fluids and Oil Topped Up

Next, you should probably check the engine oil and other fluids to ensure everything is in working condition. The engine oil is quite crucial, especially during the summer, as it helps regulate the temperature of the engine and prevents your engine from overheating. Similarly, the other fluids in the car help with lubrication and prevent rusting. So, you have to make sure that all these fluids are at the right levels, and if not, you need to top them up. Suppose you have to book an MOT in Newbury, then it will also make sense for you to properly check the engine oil levels and other fluids in the car. 

Check Your Car Brakes

You should also give your car brakes a proper examination, especially after facing harsh winter conditions. During winter, it's possible that your brakes might have worn out or the fluid might have frozen. Thus, come summer, you will need to give your brakes a proper look, especially when brakes are one of the most important components of your car that can ensure your safety. So, you might want to look for any signs that can signal problems with the brakes and hear for any squealing or squeaking sound. Test your brakes, check the stopping distance, and inspect the various components of your brakes. 

Ensure Your Tyres Have The Correct Air Pressure

Just like in winter, you need to take extra care of your tyres in summer. This is because tyres are prone to losing air pressure with temperature changes. In winter, the air inside the tyre contracts, which leads to low tyre pressure; similarly, during summer, the air inside the tyre expands and increases the air pressure. Thus, you need to keep your eye on the tyres to ensure that they are inflated properly. For this, you need to conduct regular tyre inspections and refer to the car manual to keep your tyres at the optimal air pressure, as prescribed. You should also know that keeping your tyres at the correct pressure will prevent most of the issues, like tyre blowouts, punctures, and other damages. Moreover, it will also help with your fuel expenditure, as properly inflated tyres have optimal rolling resistance. 

Replace Engine Oil and Filter

As we explained above, you need to check for engine oil and fluid levels as summer approaches. Similarly, you have to replace the engine oil and filter; if they are too dirty, then you might try to clean them, or in the case of the oil, replace them. Even the filter in your engine, which is crucial in preventing dirt and dust particles from reaching the engine, will get clogged up with time. So, you should inspect them and replace them as needed. When you bring your car for a service, your engine oil will be replaced. It is typically done every 5000 miles.

Change The Windshield Wipers

Next up, you should also try to change the windshield wipers as part of your summer car maintenance checklist. Your wipers are pretty essential when you are driving, as they help with visibility. Thus, you should start by ensuring that your windshield is clean and that your wiper fluids are topped up. Then, you should inspect the wipes themselves to check that the rubber is intact. You can also replace the wipers before summer sets in or if you find the wipers damaged. Along the wipers and windshield, you should also take note of the headlights. 

Replace And Clean Air Filters 

Lastly, you need to check the air filters in your cabin and clean them if they are clogged. If needed, you can also replace them. You have to understand that air filters play a critical role, especially during the summer. The filters not only prevent pollutants from coming into the car but also help regulate the air inside the vehicle and help with the AC. If you do not change a faulty air filter, it can damage your AC and cause issues with your vehicle. Always make sure to replace the air filters after 10 to 12 thousand miles or after 12 months. For this, you should head to an auto repair shop and get a mechanic to look at the air filter. You can get it cleaned, if needed, or replace the filter entirely.

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