“Summer is coming” seems to be more relevant for India now as we bid adieu to winter. So remember to stay hydrated, like you your car also needs to stay hydrated and well. So here are simple tips you can do to keep your car healthy even in hot and harsh weather. Let’s talk about these Summer car maintenance tips. 

Engine oil level check 

The engine oil is an extremely important fluid as it reduces friction between engine parts and helps the engine remain cool. Hence with the added heat of summer, it is advisable to have an oil change done, in case it has not been done for a while. Fresh oil and an oil filter will help the engine run a lot cooler than that with aged oil.

Engine Coolant top-up

Another important thing to keep the car cool is the radiator, which uses coolant to prevent damage from extra heat. So it’s vital in summer, you check the coolant level. Checking it is easy, you have to just see the storage tank that has a maximum and minimum level indicator. Naturally, if the level is low you need to top it up. Also, if the viscosity is low, it is advisable to flush the radiator and add a new coolant to it.

Also read – 5 useful tips for first-time car buyers

Summer car maintenance tip – Battery Check

The heat can affect the chemical composition of the batteries, which can lead to the deterioration of the battery. So, it is better to replace the battery if it’s old or a little weak. A new battery is always more reliable in summer as the usage of ACs is higher in summer putting pressure on the battery. With a new battery, you should also keep the terminals clean for optimal battery performance.

Tyre Condition

Summers can affect your tyres a lot. Running on hot tarmac in the day and cooler temps in the night can lead to a lot of wear and tear. So tyre pressure is important as the air inside tends to expand more in summer and could lead to a tyre burst, on long runs. So, it is best to not over inflate the tyres, but don’t underinflate them as it adds stress to the sidewalls of the tyres, thus damaging them further. If your tyres are old, it is better to replace them just before the summer season. 

Summer car maintenance tips – Keep it in the shade

This one is obvious, but still is quite important. Direct sunlight not only affects the exteriors of the cars but also the interiors, especially plastics. In the interiors, heat can build up and damage them. If you can’t find shade, you can try a reflective sheet, which can be placed on the dashboard. This reduces direct sunlight from entering the car. Another trick you can use is to roll down the windows slightly so that the heat can escape, preventing unnecessary heat build-up.

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