Summer usually means a fair bit of driving, whether it is on holiday, down to the local beach or visiting far-off relatives. You need to know that your car is going to be in perfect form.
Two parts of the car that are put under extra pressure in the heat are tyres and brakes. Today we’re going to explore some information and tips for preparing and maintaining your tyres and brakes this summer.
Checking Your Tyres
Heat expands. That knowledge is especially pertinent when referring to your tyres. The extreme temperatures Australia is prone to during summer means that you should be checking your tyre pressures almost every journey.
Checking your manufacturer’s manual will tell you what the ideal cold tyre pressure is. Depending on the outside temperature, this needs to be lowered to account for the high temperatures. An easy rule of thumb is to lower the cold tyre pressure by 0.1 bar for every degree above the set temperature. For instance, if the set temperature is 20 degrees Celsius, then you should depressurise your tyres by 2.0 bar when driving in 40-degree heat.
If you don’t check and prepare your tyre pressure, you could risk your tyres overexpanding, which could even lead to a blowout.
Checking Your Brakes
Brakes operate using friction and this means that they become exceptionally hot. The added pressure of high ambient temperatures can cause your brakes to exceed their threshold. A tell-tale sign that your brakes are starting to deteriorate is if the brake pedal starts to feel mushy underfoot. A high-pitched screeching sound also indicates that the brake pad and possibly the rotors are worn.
Another sign of failing rotors is the grooves on the face of the rotor. These groves can eventually detract from a rotor’s ability to slow the car, as well as causing pulses and vibrations that are sent up to the driver.
You may need to flush and replace you brake fluids, replace the brake pads, or take your car in for a service.
Even if you do not experience any symptoms, it’s a good idea to flush and change your brake fluids at the start of a hot summer. In the end, flushing and replacing brake fluid is a lot cheaper than replacing your callipers or wheel cylinders.
Your car might need extra care in the summer heat, but it’s all worth it when you set out on that holiday road trip! For more information, or to book your car in for a service, contact Carcare Joondalup today.
