Things to Check in Your Car Before Summers

Preparing your car for the summer heat is essential to ensure a smooth and hassle-free driving experience as temperatures rise. High temperatures can affect your vehicle’s performance, comfort, and safety. Taking proactive steps can prevent breakdowns, overheating, and other seasonal issues. This guide will cover the things to check in your car before summers to keep it running efficiently. From cooling systems to interior comfort, here’s everything you need to inspect and maintain before hitting the road this summer.

1. Check and Refill Your Car Coolant

One of the most critical aspects of summer car maintenance is ensuring your car coolant is at the correct level. The cooling system prevents your engine from overheating, a common problem during hot weather.

How to Check and Maintain Coolant:

• Open the hood and check the coolant reservoir. Ensure the level is between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks.
• If the coolant level is low, top up with the manufacturer-recommended amount. Avoid using plain water, as it doesn’t provide the same protection.
• Inspect hoses and connections for leaks. If you notice any cracks or coolant stains, get them replaced immediately.

A well-maintained cooling system ensures that your engine runs efficiently and prevents costly repairs due to overheating.

2. Inspect the Air Conditioning System

Driving in summer without a properly functioning air conditioning system can be uncomfortable. Before the peak heat sets in, test your AC and make sure it is cooling effectively.

• Steps to Maintain Your Car’s AC:
• Turn on the AC and check if the air is cold. If it isn’t, the refrigerant might need to be recharged.
• Inspect the cabin air filter and replace it if clogged, as a dirty filter can reduce cooling efficiency.
• Check for any unusual sounds or weak airflow, which could indicate issues with the compressor or blower motor.

If you notice any problems, consult a professional mechanic to ensure your AC is in top condition before summer starts.

3. Check Your Battery Health

High temperatures can cause battery fluid to evaporate, leading to poor performance and possible battery failure. A weak battery can leave you stranded, so checking it before summer arrives is best.

How to Check Your Car Battery:

• Inspect for corrosion on terminals and clean them with a battery cleaning brush if needed.
• Test the battery voltage with a multimeter. A healthy battery should read around 12.6 volts when the engine is off.
• If your battery is older than three years, consider replacing it to avoid unexpected failures.

Regular battery maintenance can extend lifespan and prevent sudden breakdowns during hot weather.

4. Examine Your Tires and Tire Pressure

Rising temperatures cause the air inside your tires to expand, which can lead to overinflation and even blowouts. Proper tire maintenance is crucial for safe summer driving.

How to Maintain Tires for Summer:

• Check tire pressure using a gauge and adjust it to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI.
• Inspect the tread depth by inserting a coin into the grooves. If the tread is too low, replace the tires.
• Look for cracks, bulges, or uneven wear, which could indicate alignment issues.

Well-maintained tires improve fuel efficiency, handling, and safety during summer road trips.

5. Protect Your Car’s Interior with Car Window Shades

Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause your car’s interior to fade and overheat. Car window shades help keep the cabin cool and protect the dashboard, seats, and electronics from sun damage.

Benefits of Using Car Window Shades:

• Blocks harmful UV rays, preventing interior fading and cracking.
• Reduces the cabin temperature, making the car more comfortable.
• It enhances privacy and minimizes glare while driving.

Investing in quality car window shades is a simple yet effective way to keep your car cool during the summer.

6. Replace Worn-Out Wiper Blades

Summer rain storms can be sudden and intense. If your windshield wipers are streaking or making noise, it’s time to replace them to ensure clear visibility during downpours.

How to Check and Replace Wiper Blades:

• Lift the wipers and inspect the rubber for cracks or stiffness.
• Run the wipers and check if they leave streaks or miss spots.
• Replace them with new, high-quality wiper blades for optimal performance.

Keeping your wipers in good condition ensures safe driving in unexpected summer showers.

7. Test Your Brakes for Safety

Extreme heat can affect braking performance by causing brake fluid to overheat or brake pads to wear down faster. Before summer begins, test your brakes to ensure they are functioning correctly.

Signs That Your Brakes Need Attention:

• A spongy or soft brake pedal feel.
• Squeaking or grinding noises when braking.
• The car pulls to one side when braking.

If you notice any of these issues, have your brakes inspected and serviced by a professional.

8. Check Engine Oil and Other Fluids

Your engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid are crucial in keeping your vehicle running smoothly in the heat.

Steps to Check Fluids:

• Check the engine oil level and top it up if necessary. Use the recommended oil grade for summer.
• Inspect the transmission fluid for proper levels and color.
• Ensure the brake fluid is clean and at the correct level.
• Check the power steering fluid and refill if needed.

Keeping fluids at optimal levels reduces wear and tear on your vehicle’s components.

9. Clean and Check the Air Filter

A clean air filter improves engine performance and fuel efficiency, especially in summer when air quality can be poor.

How to Maintain Your Car’s Air Filter:

• Remove the air filter and check for dirt or debris.
• If it looks clogged, replace it with a new one.
• Regularly replacing your air filter enhances airflow and engine efficiency.

A clean air filter ensures your engine breathes appropriately, improving fuel economy and performance.

10. Stock Up on Emergency Essentials

Summers can bring unpredictable weather and long road trips. It’s essential to have a car emergency kit ready.

Essential Items for Summer Travel:

• Extra car coolant and water.
• A fully charged power bank for emergencies.
• First aid kit, flashlight, and essential tools.
• Sunblock and sunglasses for driver comfort.

Being prepared can help you stay safe and handle unexpected situations during summer drives.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your car for summer heat is essential for a comfortable and trouble-free driving experience. You can prevent overheating, breakdowns, and interior damage by following these things to check in your car before summer.

Visit Autostore.pk for high-quality car accessories in Pakistan, including car window shades, car coolant, and more. Ensure your vehicle is summer-ready and enjoy stress-free drives under the sun.