Is your car ready for summer?
With the weather getting warmer, summer looks like it’s on its way. So, what better way to enjoy the long summer days than driving, whether it’s a holiday, getaway, road trip, or day out? But before you do, make sure your car is summer-ready. Nobody wants a mid-journey breakdown, so here are a few things to look out for.
Tyres
Inspect your tyres for any cuts, bulges, damage or punctures. Additionally, check your tyre pressures and adjust them accordingly if you’re carrying a heavy load, as recommended in your vehicle manufacturer’s handbook. It’s essential that your tyres are legal, which means having a tread of 1.6mm or more in the UK. If you’re unsure about the tread depth, it’s best to visit your local tyre centre or garage and get your tyres checked out.
One other thing to keep in mind is that if you have a foam emergency spare wheel, it's essential to check that the canister is still within date. If it's not, please get a replacement.
Wheel alignment
With the increase of potholes on the roads, hitting them can cause serious damage to your wheels and they may become misaligned. You may notice this if your car pulls to one side as you’re driving. This can also put extra tension on your tyres, and you may find one side wears out faster than the other. Pop into your local tyre centre if you think your wheels are out of alignment.
Battery
If you haven't been using your car frequently, it is a good idea to check the battery to ensure it is not running out of power. The last thing you'd want is to run into a flat battery during a road trip. You can check the battery health at home if you have a battery charger or visit your local garage for a battery health check.
Fluids
It's always a good idea to regularly check your vehicle's fluid levels, such as brake fluid, coolant, engine oil, and screenwash. Engine oil is especially important, and during summer months, using a thicker oil may aid your car's performance and ensure its longevity. Your car will typically receive an oil change during a service, but if you have any doubts about any of your vehicle's fluids, it's best to consult with your local garage or dealership.
Lights
As the days get longer, it's still important to ensure that all your vehicle lights are functioning properly. Before embarking on a long journey, take a stroll around your car and verify that everything is working, including brake lights, headlights, indicators, and fog lights. You'll need to enlist the help of a friend or relative to accomplish this. Furthermore, it's a good idea to clean your light casings, as a layer of grime can cause your lights to dim.
Windscreen wipers
We are all familiar with how the UK summer can turn out. If you're on a trip, the last thing you want is the annoyance of faulty windscreen wipers. Not only do they create irritating noises, but they also lead to a smeared windscreen and decreased visibility, which can be incredibly dangerous. Typically, windscreen wipers need to be replaced every year. Therefore, it might be time to consider purchasing new wipers. Check to ensure your windscreen fluid is adequately topped up. If the problem persists, then it is definitely time to replace your wipers.
Air conditioning
Air conditioning is a valuable resource when it's hot outside, but it's important to ensure that your air conditioning system is functioning properly well in advance. Running the AC system regularly for about 15 minutes can help keep the system fresh and active. However, if the system is not working correctly, it's best to have it checked out by a professional at your local garage or dealership.
A good clean
During the winter season, your car's underbody can accumulate salt, dirt, grime, and grit, which can lead to rust and corrosion. If you lack the appropriate cleaning tools, having a professional clean your car's underbody may be worthwhile. This ensures that all hard-to-reach areas are thoroughly cleaned, such as underneath the bumpers and beneath the wheel well.
Happy driving!
We hope these tips are helpful in helping to ensure stress-free driving when you’re out and about this summer. It’s always better to be prepared rather than leave it to the last minute. Also, make sure your car insurance is accurate and up to date. If you want to discuss your cover, renew or make any changes, please get in touch. Call TMD on 01992 703 000 or email us at insurance@mcdonaghs.co.uk