Summer is a great time to get out on the road, but the warmer months can put a lot of pressure on your vehicle. The heat, longer daylight hours, and increased mileage from trips and holidays all take their toll in different ways. If you’re not staying on top of basic maintenance, small problems can stack up quickly and leave you stranded at the worst time. A car that hasn’t been looked after properly can also end up using more fuel or showing signs of damage you could have avoided.
One simple way to avoid unwanted stress is to tackle maintenance ahead of time. That means checking the important parts of your car before they become a problem. Using mobile servicing makes that easier for many drivers, as the help comes right to where you are. Whether your car is parked at work, on your driveway, or even out on the road, having someone handle the basics in a timely manner keeps your car running well no matter how far you’re travelling.
Check And Replenish Fluids
Hot weather causes fluids in your car to evaporate faster, so it’s no surprise that summer is when things like overheating or engine strain become more common. That’s why keeping the right fluid levels is one of the best ways to stop trouble before it starts. Even newer cars can run into issues if their fluids are low or haven’t been swapped out in a long time.
Here’s a list of fluids you should pay attention to during summer:
– Engine oil: Acts as a lubricant to keep parts moving with less friction. Low or dirty oil can wear your engine down and hurt fuel efficiency.
– Coolant: Also known as antifreeze, this helps regulate your engine’s temperature. Too little or poor-quality coolant and your engine may overheat.
– Transmission fluid: Keeps your gearbox running smoothly and reduces wear on moving parts. Slipping gears or rough shifts can be a sign that this needs a check.
– Windshield washer fluid: A clear view is especially important with bright sunshine and summer bugs. Don’t ignore a dry reservoir.
Doing these checks by yourself isn’t always convenient, especially if you haven’t got the tools or time to spare. Mobile servicing is a great help in these cases. A technician can show up wherever your vehicle is and top up or change your fluids there and then. That means no waiting around in queues or wasting a trip just to get a basic job done.
Inspect And Prepare Tyres
Tyres are easy to forget about, but they’re doing a lot in summer. The temperature affects tyre pressure, which can rise faster when the roads are hot. Higher pressure changes how your car handles and wears out your tyres quicker. Under-inflated tyres aren’t much better either, as they flex more and build up extra heat, increasing the risk of damage.
It’s a smart habit to check your tyre pressure every couple of weeks, especially before long drives. You’ll also want to keep an eye on tread depth. Good grip is important for safe handling, and the legal minimum tread depth isn’t necessarily your best bet for performance.
Tyre prep tips:
– Check your tyre pressure when the tyres are cool, and always refer to your car’s handbook for the correct levels.
– Look out for uneven wear, cracks, or small objects stuck in the tyre tread.
– Rotate your tyres if the front ones are wearing more quickly than the rears.
If you’re unsure what to look for, or if you’ve noticed your tyres aren’t performing as they should, it’s best to have a professional take a look. With mobile servicing, tyre inspections and even replacements can be done wherever’s easiest for you. That way you avoid putting off a job that directly affects your safety and comfort during summer driving.
Battery Care
During summer, the heat can be a big enemy to your car’s battery. High temperatures can speed up the chemical reactions inside a battery, which can cause it to overcharge. This shortens its lifespan and can leave you in a bit of a bind if you’re planning a summer road trip. Keeping your battery in good condition means having reliable starts every time, even on the hottest days.
To maintain your battery, regularly check for any corrosion on the terminals. This white, ashy substance can interfere with the battery’s connection and prevent it from charging properly. Clean it off carefully, and ensure the terminals are tightly fastened. Having your battery’s charge tested will give you a clearer indication of its health, especially if the battery is a few years old.
Mobile servicing offers the advantage of battery checks without the need for you to make a trip to a service centre. This convenience means you can find out early if a replacement or other maintenance is necessary, preventing unexpected issues. Imagine needing a jump start after a long day out. Having a trustworthy battery ensures you won’t face this hassle.
Air Conditioning System Check
Feeling cool and comfortable in your car is almost a necessity in summer’s heat. Your car’s air conditioning (AC) system plays a massive role here, making sure the interior stays pleasant even when it’s scorched outside. However, AC systems require regular maintenance to function properly, and summer is when you notice problems most.
Some signs that your AC might need attention include unusual noises when turned on, weak airflow, or even warm air blowing instead of cold. These issues can stem from a range of causes, like clogged filters or a need for refrigerant refills. An efficient and effective AC system doesn’t just make things more comfortable; it also helps keep you focused on the road, reducing driver fatigue.
Regular maintenance catches these problems early. Similar to other maintenance needs, mobile servicing can handle AC system issues as part of your summer prep. Whether it’s recharging refrigerant or inspecting the system for leaks, taking care of your AC ensures it works when you need it most.
Ready for the Road Ahead
Taking care of your car might feel like a chore, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a little planning and regular maintenance checks focusing on fluids, tyres, battery, and the AC system, you keep everything running smoothly. By doing this, you help prevent stressful breakdowns and make each journey feel safe and comfortable.
Think of these tasks as a small investment towards a stress-free summer. Maintenance isn’t just about avoiding problems. It’s about enjoying your driving experience, knowing your vehicle is in top shape for all your planned trips. When these checks are built into your routine, you set yourself up for a smoother, worry-free ride every time you hit the road.
Ensure your car is ready for all your summer adventures with comprehensive care. Whether it’s keeping your tyres in check or making sure your battery won’t let you down, each step helps you travel confidently this season. If convenience matters to you, our mobile servicing can handle vehicle checks right where you are. Let Jedox Fleet Services help keep your vehicle in top shape, so you can focus on enjoying the road ahead.