Get your car ready for a summer road trip with these simple maintenance tips
There are a few simple checks every motorist should make before they set off on a road trip this summer
WITH summer fast approaching, plenty of us will be planning to head away for a short break, or just get out on the road to enjoy the weather.
But before you set off, there are a few simple tips you should take note of to make to ensure your road trip runs smoothly.
IAM Roadsmart has pulled together a few simple things every driver should do ahead of a summer drive.
First off, clearing out any excess weight including those coats, boots and scarves that took up permanent residence during the winter months will help you to save fuel even before you even set out.
With all the summer glare around, you need to make sure you've got a clear view of the road.
Your demister can put a film of grime from traffic fumes on the inside of the windscreen combine with the sunlight to block your vision.
How to keep your car healthy in the heat
Battery: Your car battery is dangerous as it is composed of acid and water. The water within the battery will evaporate faster in soaring temperatures leaving lead plates exposed. When the weather turns cold again, your battery may no longer have the charge to start the car.
Tyres: The rubber of a car tyre can seriously disintegrate in hot temperatures and even more so if the tyre is of the wrong pressure. Heat can cause them to dry out and lead to a blow-out.
Coolant: An engine with no coolant is like a person with no water – it won’t survive and will die. Always keep an eye on your car’s temperature gauge.
Oil: An engine when fully running in heat needs all the lubrication it can get, so making sure you change the oil when necessary is important in the summer months. More frequent changes to your oil will be beneficial to a car’s engine and performance.
Fuel: Fuel evaporates quicker in a hot car than it does in a cold one. Keeping your car in a shaded area and less used in hot temperatures will save on accelerated fuel consumption.
Before you leave, make sure to get the windscreen squeaky clean with water and detergent and dry it with a microfibre cloth.
And don’t forget the other windows; clean screens rarely mist up so you’ll need the heated rear window far less.
Air conditioning is also an essential in the peak of summer, so be sure yours is properly working before you leave.
If the gas in your air-con system leaks and gets too low, the air-con will blow warm instead of cold.
Test it by turning the heater control to minimum, the heater fan to maximum and make sure the air-con is turned on.
If you don’t feel an icy blast after a couple of minutes, the system may need “re-gassing” - a simple job which your local garage can sort out for you.
And remembering that the heat can take a toll on your car will save you a headache as the mercury rises.
Three basic maintenance tasks will ensure that your car runs smoothly all season.
Checking and changing the oil, topping up coolant levels and making sure your tyres are in good condition are all important.
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While you should change your car's engine oil regularly, its even more important ahead of a long road trip.
Making sure you have enough coolant could be as simple as topping up the levels to keep your engine at the right temperature.
And ensuring your tyres are inflated to the right pressure with make sure they don't dry out and cause a rupture.
your guide to car maintenance
Rodney Kumar, press officer for IAM RoadSmart said: “A summer trip is full of excitement, especially if you are taking the family on a fun day out or heading for a holiday, but we urge drivers not to let the concentration drop.
"Make sure you are focused on the job in hand, ensure visibility is good all round your car, and keep the kids’ holiday chatter in the background.
"The holiday can start once the car is parked up in long-stay."