Australian summers can get hot and it’s not just people and pets that feel the heat. Your car will also need extra attention and maintenance to keep it in top working condition. The most obvious tip for any driver about to get into their car on a steaming summer’s day is to prepare for a scorching hot steering wheel!

Apart from that, here are some other handy summer car care tips to make sure your car survives this sweltering season.

 Check Fluids

Your car needs to adjust its fluid intake in the heat just like you adjust yours for the summer cricket season. Oil is like the white blood cells of your car – it needs to be replenished more often when the car is under more extreme pressure.

Be sure to check your oil more commonly in the summer. Instead of examining it once a month, give it a check every time you fill up on petrol. In really extreme temperatures such as 40 degrees and above, top up oil each time you intend to use your car.

 Engine Temperature

Engines are designed to run hot, but even the best engine has its limits. Without regulation, the metal parts in an overheated engine could melt and fuse together. Fortunately, cars use cooling systems to remain within their preferred operational range.

Make sure you keep an eye on the cooling agents that make this process possible. This includes your coolant levels, hoses, belts and radiator. Any leak from your car is a sign one of the parts isn’t coping. This could be the radiator, the transmission, or another part.

Check Tyres and Brakes

The heat in your tyres is one of the most important things to pay attention to during a summer inspection. This is because heat expands, causing tyre pressure to can change significantly. This means that your tyres will be more pressurised on hotter days, leading to a greater chance of a blowout.

If you’re feeling the heat this summer, consider lowering your tyre pressure. In extreme temperatures of 40 degrees and above, the tyre pressure should be lowered by almost 2.2 bar from the recommended cold tyre temperature.

Brakes are another hot part of your car, meaning they’ll also need some extra attention in the heat. If your brake pedal starts to feel like you’re stepping in custard, or it makes loud scraping noises like fingernails on a blackboard; you should give it some attention immediately. This could mean flushing the brake fluids and replacing them, replacing the pads, or taking your car in for a service.

Check Air Filters

Your air filters will also need to work harder during the summer months. A clogged air filter not only reduces your car’s fuel efficiency, it also puts undue stress on other systems in your vehicle. Cleaning your air filters is an easy task and it will ensure that your car thrives in the warmest months.

Up To Date Service History

If you want complete peace of mind for your summer drive, make sure your car has an up to date service history. In a hot Aussie summer, making sure that you’ve satisfied all the major and minor services can make all the difference.

For any more information about taking care of your car this summer, or to book your car in for a service, contact Carcare Joondalup.