Prepare Your Car For Summer

05 May 2018

Did you know that hot weather and long summer journeys can put additional strain on your car and its components? Make sure your vehicle doesn’t let you down by undertaking these simple checks first!

Essential Post Winter Vehicle Checks

To ensure that winter didn’t leave any lasting damage to your vehicle you should inspect the interior and exterior of your vehicle for any warning signs.

Corrosion
Visually inspect your vehicle for any signs of corrosion or rusting that may have affected the exterior of your vehicle during winter. You should check any exposed metal areas that are visible from the exterior of your car for signs which include silver colours becoming dull or changing to an orange colour and smooth surfaces becoming rougher. You should have your car inspected by a specialist if you do notice corrosion as if left it can cause more serious problems to your engine, exhaust or brakes as well as ruining the aesthetic of your vehicle’s bodywork.

Damp
Damp affects the interior of your vehicle and can be caused when there is a difference in temperature outside and inside of the car. You can see this on cold mornings when condensation builds up on your windscreen. If left, damp can cause irreversible damage to your interior and unpleasant smells, making your drive less comfortable and potentially lowering the value of your vehicle. If you do notice damp – which you can identify by a musty smell and discoloured and wet patches inside your vehicle – you should shampoo your car interior and allow it to dry fully.

Inspect Your Tyres

If you haven’t already you must switch over from your winter tyres now! Winter tyres cannot provide adequate performance in temperatures over 7°C, so you should be using either summer or all season tyres. As well as ensuring that you are using the right tyres for this time of year, you should also undertake the following checks to your tyres every three weeks:

• Tyre Tread Depth
  Ensure that your tyres have enough tread to keep you safe in wet conditions this summer! We would recommend replacing your tyres when tread drops below 3mm as at this point your braking distances become affected. Learn how you can check your tread.
• Tyre Pressures
  You should check your tyre pressures every 3 weeks and before you head off on any summer road trips – remembering to adjust your pressure for the load of your vehicle! Learn how to check your tyre pressure.
• Tyre Condition
  Tyre damage can be highly dangerous! Be sure to regularly check your tyres for any warning signs that may indicate that the internal structure of the tyre has been damaged. Contact a tyre specialist if you notice signs including bulges, lumps, cuts, tears or cracks.

Re-Charge Your Air Conditioning

Stuck in a traffic jam on a hot day is not the time you want to find out that your air conditioning isn’t working! If it has been two years since you had your air conditioning serviced or if you have noticed any signs including your air conditioning emitting a less powerful stream or the wrong temperature air then it is time to have an air con top-up! Book an air con top-up at your local Setyres branch and save £5 with one of our vouchers!

Fill Up Your Engine Fluids

To keep your vehicle healthy this summer, make sure that all your essential engine fluids are topped up.

• Engine Oil
  Your engine oil will keep all important engine components lubricated so that they work effectively. Check your engine oil using your dipstick and top it up according to the instructions in your vehicle handbook if necessary.
• Engine Coolant
  Having a sufficient level of engine coolant will help to prevent unnecessary breakdowns as this essential engine fluid works to stop your engine from overheating. Visually check the engine coolant container under the bonnet by looking to make sure that the liquid level sits comfortably above the minimum line.
• Screen Wash
  It is essential that you have a clear, unobstructed view of the road at all times when driving so you must regularly check your screen wash and top up if necessary. You should also inspect your windscreen wipers for any signs of damage such as frays or tears in the rubber and replace them if necessary.

If you have any concerns about the condition of your vehicle or tyres you should contact your local Setyres branch where our trained specialists will be able to offer advice and guidance.