The summer season is fast approaching, with some Western countries already under the sun. It is that time of the year when people plan a family road trip.
Before you plan your next fun road trip, here are some useful tips to prepare your car for summer.
Warm Your Engine
Yes !!! The car engine needs warming up in summer too. It is a good idea to drive away your car after 30 seconds of start-up for the fluids to reach all parts of the engine.
Coolant Check
Make sure all the fluid levels in your cars are appropriate, especially the coolant. Having an appropriate coolant level will prevent your car from heating up during summer.
Tyre Thread
There are several ways of checking if your tyres need replacing, for example, by putting a coin in between the gaps. But the recommended way is to look for the 4-digit DOT code which shows the date the tyre was manufactured. The tyres usually need replacing, depending on their condition or every 5 years.
Keep Your Drinks Cool
If your car does not have a built-in cold box, the good news is that you can still keep your drinks chilled. Most gloveboxes have an opening for air conditioning flow; put your drinks in the glove box and your drinks will stay reasonably cold.
Flat Tyre Spray
Got a flat tyre unexpectedly? No worries at all. This magic ‘fix a flat’ tyre aerosol spray seals and inflates your tyre by just spraying in the air nozzle, saving you time to drive to the tyre shop.
Wiper Blades
The weather can never be trusted therefore make sure you prepare for that unexpected thunderstorm during the afternoon by replacing your wiper blade. Or taking off your wiper blades and cleaning them with petroleum jelly and alcohol.
Battery Test
Many auto stores offer free battery testing service as during hot weather the battery fluid can evaporate. On average a battery life is up to 5 or 6 years therefore keep an eye on it if you do not want to be left stranded on a beautiful summer eve.
Address Small Things
Sometimes small issues like a fused parking light or a missing emergency kit in the boot can be forgotten. Take your time to do a thorough inspection of your car before taking it on a long family summer trip for peace of mind. Enjoy!