Australians love summer. What's not to love?
The sun, the beach, warmer weather, longer days, and road trips!
Extreme heat can take a toll on your car. To prepare for the warmer months and avoid any car troubles while on your way to the beach, here is our round up of the top 5 simple and affordable car care tips!
1. Test the Air Conditioning
With temperatures reaching well above 30°C at the peak of summer, a smoothly working air conditioning system is essential!
The last thing anyone wants after spending the day in the heat at the beach is to get into their car (hot and sticky) to be met with warm air blown in their faces!
If you are faced with hot air turning on your AC, a simple fix could be adding refrigerant to your car. If this doesn't solve the problem, we recommend taking it in for a service - it's probably due for one too!
2. Check Your Tires Air Pressure
Maintaining optimal tire pressure is beneficial for many reasons! It ensures you're not overusing fuel or putting your car under any added pressure when driving.
The colder months during winter may have wreaked havoc on your tires. Check your tire pressure to make sure they're not under or over inflated - don't forget the spare tire too!
Most passenger cars are recommended to have tire pressure between 30 and 35 PSI. Consult your owner's manual to double check what your cars range should be.
3. Test Your Brakes
We're bold enough to say that the brakes on your car are the most important feature on your car - safety wise at least.
You rely on your brakes from the moment you get in your car (most cars require you to have your brake pressed to start the engine).
Regular brake tests, especially after the colder months, is essential for driver safety. Obvious signs to look for are squealing or brake pulling. If you're experiencing these, book your car in for a service.
4. Park Out of Direct Sunlight
The sun and heat can cause some serious damage to your car. Parking in the shade where possible is crucial for summer car care.
The sunlight an damage your cars exterior paint - ever see those cars driving around with the paint peeling off? Not a good look and completely diminishes your cars resale value.
Parking in the shade also prevents your car's interior from heating up. Extreme heat will cause damage to the leather interiors, along with discomfort when getting into your car after being out and about.
A simple and affordable solution is to invest in a window shade to block out the UV heat.
5. Routinely Clean Your Car
A clean exterior and interior not only improves your driving experience, it also benefits you financially in the long run. A well maintained and clean car keeps your car performing at optimal conditions.
Regular cleaning of your car's exterior keeps the paintwork in the best condition, removing any dirt, grime, bird droppings and insects.
In our experience, car buyers are likely to spend more on a car that they can see has been maintained well.