When summer starts to wind down, it’s easy to let car care slip to the bottom of the list. The holidays are wrapping up, kids go back to school, and the weather starts to cool, but your car still needs attention. After all the heat, road trips, and longer drives, your car might have picked up a bit of wear that affects how it runs. The tail-end of summer is the perfect time to give it a once-over before autumn kicks in.
Late summer maintenance can save you hassle later. A quick check-up now might help spot problems early, like worn brakes or low oil levels. Simple checks like tyre pressure or fluid levels can keep your vehicle running smoother and safer. Keeping on top of maintenance not only protects your car but makes sure you’re ready for the seasonal shift ahead.
Inspect And Replace Worn Tyres
Tyres play a massive part in how your car performs. If they aren’t in good shape, grip on the road drops, especially in rain, which becomes more common as autumn approaches. Long drives in warm weather can wear them out faster than you think, so late August is an ideal time to have a look.
Here’s what to check:
– Tread depth: Use a 20p coin to test it. Insert the coin into the tread. If you can see the outer edge of the coin, it’s time to replace the tyres.
– Cracks and damage: Check for stones, glass, or splits in the rubber.
– Uneven wear: If one part of the tyre looks more worn than the rest, it might point to issues with alignment or suspension.
– Pressure: Don’t just guess. Use a proper gauge and check the pressure matches the recommendation in your owner’s manual or inside the fuel cap.
Driving around with low tread or the wrong tyre pressure puts more strain on your car and burns more fuel. Worn tyres also make braking less effective, especially on wet roads. If you’re noticing strange vibrations, pulling to one side, or just haven’t checked your tyres all summer, now’s the time to get them examined by a professional.
Check Fluid Levels And Condition
Fluids keep everything moving smoothly under the bonnet. After months of heat, your car’s fluids can get dirtier or even start to run low. Each one has a job—some keep the engine cool, some help with stopping, and others keep your windscreen clean so you can see clearly.
Focus on these:
1. Engine oil – Make sure the level is good and the oil isn’t too dark or gritty.
2. Coolant – Keeps your engine from overheating. Late summer is a good time to top it up, especially before colder mornings return.
3. Brake fluid – If it’s too low or dirty, braking can feel spongy.
4. Windscreen washer fluid – It’s annoying when it runs out. Top it up before autumn grime builds up on the glass.
Check fluids when the engine is cool and the car is on a level surface. Some are easy to see through clear reservoirs, while others might need the dipstick. If you’re not sure what goes where or how old the fluids are, it’s safer to have a qualified mechanic take a look. Getting fluids sorted now can stop bigger problems from popping up next season.
Examine Brake System Health
After a summer filled with road trips and long drives, your car’s brake system has likely worked overtime. Keeping an eye on the brake system makes sure your vehicle stops when you need it to, helping to keep you safe on the roads.
Start by listening for sounds when you hit the brakes. Grinding or squealing might mean the brake pads are worn, which can reduce stopping power and damage the brake rotors if ignored. Check around the wheels for visible signs of wear, while the car is off, to see if this could be the case. You can also press gently on the brake pedal. If it feels slow to respond or soft, you might be running low on brake fluid or there could be air in the system.
Routine brake checks help prevent bigger, more expensive issues later. It’s best that a qualified mechanic checks these parts, since they have the tools and experience to spot problems early.
Clean And Inspect Air Filters
Air filters are like your vehicle’s lungs. When they’re clogged, your car can’t breathe well, which can lower performance and fuel efficiency. Summer dust and pollen can block them more than normal, so checking them before autumn is a smart move.
To check your air filter, first locate it under the bonnet. It’s usually held inside a rectangular or circular casing secured with clips or screws. Once open, remove the filter and hold it up to the light. If you can’t see much light through it, it’s time to change it. Dust it off gently if you’re looking to extend its life, but don’t use compressed air, as that can cause damage.
Most air filters need changing every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, though this depends on where and how you drive. If you’ve spent a lot of time on dusty roads this summer, you may need a new one sooner. A clean air filter helps your engine work more efficiently and keeps fuel use down.
Ensure Battery Strength
As the weather cools, the wear from summer heat might not be obvious right away, but your battery could already be weakened. High temperatures cause battery fluid to evaporate quicker, which can result in starting trouble when it gets cold.
Start by checking for any white or greenish build-up on the terminals. That corrosion should be cleaned off with gloves and a simple mix of baking soda and water. Use a toothbrush or small wire brush to scrub gently. If you have a multimeter, test the charge. A healthy battery should read around 12.6 volts or more.
If your car is slow to turn over or you’ve had the same battery for over three years, it’s worth having it checked. Mobile servicing makes it easier than ever to test or replace your car’s battery without disturbing your schedule. A strong battery means fewer cold morning surprises.
Keep Your Car Performing Its Best
Seasonal changes can sneak up quickly, so checking things off your maintenance list now avoids bigger repairs later. Give parts like tyres and brakes extra attention after a long summer of extra driving. Make sure fluids are clean and topped up, air filters are letting your engine breathe, and the battery isn’t overdue for replacement.
Late summer checks are all about preparation. By spending a little time getting ahead, you can enjoy smoother starts, safer stops, and fewer surprises when the cooler weather sets in. Keeping your car in good shape now helps it run stronger through autumn and beyond.
To keep your car running smoothly and avoid future headaches, consider scheduling a professional check-up with Jedox Fleet Services. Embrace the convenience of mobile servicing to have expert technicians handle everything from brake checks to battery replacements right at your doorstep. Make your car maintenance a breeze while ensuring it’s ready to tackle the changing seasons with confidence.