In the summer, your car will probably come under more pressure than at other times of the year. Although in the depths of winter, your focus may be on winter tyres and so on, in the summer, the higher temperatures can place cars’ systems under greater strain. What’s more, the summer is when many people take road trips and travel further in their vehicles than they normally would.
Long stints travelling at high speeds on the motorway network between big British towns and cities like Fife, Folkestone, Dundee, Durham, London, Liverpool, Sunderland and Swansea can mean that summertime car servicing is even more essential. This is certainly the case if you are away from home and your local servicing centre is miles away. If you are confused by how, when and where to get your car serviced in Dundee, Fife Autocentre offers all types of vehicle servicing at local rates.
Read on to find out the most important aspects of car servicing in the summer months.
Cooling System Assessment
To begin with, it stands to reason that during the warmer months of the year, your engine’s cooling system will have to work more strenuously. As part of your summer servicing regime, you should be making sure that your coolant is replenished fully. This is something that a car service in late Spring, anywhere from Perth to Peterborough should pick up on. What’s more, your service inspection should also ensure that the correct mixture ratio is present in your coolant. Most motorists don’t know how to inspect their radiator, hoses and water pump for any signs of wear and only notice them if they see a leak. A car service will confirm they’re in good condition while also checking that the cooling fan operates well to aid efficient heat dissipation in the summer.
Air Conditioning Inspection
In the summer’s heat, a well-functioning air conditioning system is preferable. Often offered as standard nowadays, car servicing should involve checking the refrigerant levels and an inspection of the system for leaks. Equally, you need to know your air conditioner’s compressor, belts and filters are in good condition. Once these checks have been made, your air conditioning may be re-gassed although this sometimes comes with an associated additional fee.
Tyre Checks and Pressure Monitoring
Higher temperatures in summer from Belfast to Bristol can exacerbate existing tyre damage, making blowouts more likely, especially if the tarmac is hot and sticky. A summer car service should mean your tyres are checked for cracks, punctures and uneven wear. Note that heat increases air pressure in tyres. Consequently, you should carry out periodic checks for over-inflation, something you should continue to do every few weeks following your car service.
Battery Examination and Testing
You might associate batteries with winter failures. Nevertheless, the summer heat can deteriorate a car battery’s life just as much. Heat will tend to speed up the chemical reaction inside it. Equally, you may use your battery more in the summer to help run services like air conditioning or opening and closing windows. A car service will examine your battery for any visible signs of corrosion or damage. A load test to ensure it holds charge adequately should be performed, too.
Fluid Levels and Viscosity Checks
The hotter temperatures in July and August will often affect the viscosity of essential car fluids, such as your engine oil, the car’s brake fluid and its transmission fluid. Ensure they are all topped up to the recommended levels or have a mechanic do so for you. If there is a summertime heatwave, then it may be worth considering switching to a higher viscosity oil. Brake and transmission fluids should remain clear. Replace them if they’re discoloured or look contaminated.
