How To Prepare Your Car For Summer - A Short Guide

It wasn’t long ago that we were sharing our tips on how to prepare your car for winter, and just like clockwork, we find ourselves putting together our latest guide on how you can get your car ready for summer.

Given the current circumstances, your car may be out of use at the moment in which case you may want to head over to our car maintenance guide. But if you’re somebody who depends on your vehicle for everyday use or commuting to work, here are a few things you can do to ensure the safety of both you and your vehicle when on the road.

Waxing your car will help protect your paintwork from the damaging rays of the sun. Think of it as your vehicle’s very own SP Factor 50.

Bonus tip: Try and keep your vehicle parked out of direct sunlight, especially if you have leather seats!

It’s important to have a working cooling and air conditioning system, especially during summer. Be sure to check your cooling system is sufficiently topped up with the accurate amount of coolant and water and any air vents are clear from grime, dirt and debris as blockages in the air flow of your vehicle could cause your car to overheat.

Ensure your air conditioning system is working properly. If you’re concerned it isn’t working as well as it could be or if it’s been a few years since you last had it checked out, it may be worth getting it recharged and ready for summer.

Bonus tip: You should replace your air filters regularly. Not only will this allow your air conditioning system to work efficiently but it will improve the air quality inside of your car keeping it fresh and cool at all times. This is a must for anyone who suffers from hay-fever.

Extra bonus tip: Buying washable or reusable air filters will save you money in the long run.

There’s nothing worse than your battery going dead on you in the middle of a journey and with heat levels rising, your battery may be working harder than usual. To prevent any breakdowns and for added peace of mind, stop by your local service centre to have it tested.

Something you may want to make a habit of during summer is checking your tyre pressure. Tyre pressure tends to rise and fall to mirror the changes in temperature. This can happen over a period of a week, a day or simply overnight. Assessing your tyre pressure doesn’t take long and it prevents your tyres from wearing unevenly and becoming less fuel-efficient.

Bonus tip: You may still have winter tyres attached to your car. If you’re after maximum efficiency, you may want to swap them out for summer tyres that have been specifically designed to grip the road for better handling during hotter months.

Driving in warmer months can take its toll on your car as driving may become more laborious, putting unnecessary strain on your engine. To be sure your vehicle is well lubricated and not being burdened by the British sun, you should check your oil levels regularly (this is especially important for older vehicles).

Bonus tip: Heavier oils better compensate for internal engine wear. Keep some extra oil in the boot of your car at all times.

We hope our advice has given you some insight on how you can help protect your car from the summer heat ahead. For ways on how you yourself can beat the heat whilst on the road, why not check out our 6 hot tips on how to stay cool this summer?