We all tend to think winter is the hardest season on our cars. But trust me, summer heat can be just as tough. Your battery, tyres, air conditioning and engine cooling system all have to work under serious strain. Picture this: the tarmac is over 50°C, your car has been sitting in the blazing sun all day, and suddenly those little problems you've barely noticed start showing themselves. That's why I want to walk you through some simple summer car maintenance checks before the real heat arrives.
Why does hot weather ruin your car battery?
I know it sounds strange, but heat actually does more damage to your battery than cold weather. High temperatures speed up the chemical reactions inside it, shortening its life. Winter is simply when you finally notice how weak it's become, because your car starts struggling to start. If your battery is more than four or five years old, get it checked before summer. Don't wait until it leaves you stranded somewhere.
What should you check on your tyres?
- Check your tyre pressure in the morning, while the tyres are still cold. As they warm up, the pressure reading rises.
- Don't let air out of hot tyres. Once they cool down, the pressure will be too low.
- Heading to the seaside with a boot full of luggage? You'll need higher tyre pressures.
- Give your tyres a proper look for cracks and bulges. Those defects are even more dangerous in hot weather.
Why isn't your air conditioning cooling properly?
If your air conditioning is barely blowing or isn't getting cold enough, don't rush to have it topped up with refrigerant by guesswork. First, we need to check the system for leaks, replace the cabin filter and clean the evaporator. That way, your air con will cool better and won't greet you with a nasty smell every time you get in. A refrigerant top-up alone isn't always the answer. That's what I really want you to remember.
What should you watch for in your engine cooling system?
- Check the coolant level, but only when the engine is cold.
- Keep an eye on the temperature gauge or display, especially when you're stuck in traffic.
- If the cooling fan doesn't kick in while you're sitting in traffic, the engine could overheat.
Never open the coolant expansion tank cap when the engine is hot. The system is pressurised, and hot coolant can cause serious burns. Please don't take any chances with this.
How can you protect your car's interior from the sun?
A simple windscreen sunshade does a brilliant job of protecting your dashboard and displays from overheating. And please, don't leave aerosol cans, lighters, fizzy drink bottles or electronics inside. When your car is sitting in direct sunlight, the temperature inside can climb above 60°C. Just imagine that.
A tip from Kris Mladenov: Getting into a car that's been baking in the sun? Open the windows for a minute first and let all that trapped hot air escape. Only then switch on the air conditioning. You'll notice the cabin cools down much faster.
If you want to get your car ready for the hottest days of summer, or you've got a trip to the seaside coming up, bring it to Das Auto Service. We'll check your battery, tyres, air conditioning and engine cooling system. I'm telling you this because I care about you and your car. It's far better to catch a problem early than end up stranded at the roadside in the middle of a heatwave.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does hot weather damage your car battery?
Yes, quite a lot. Heat shortens your battery's life, but you often won't realise it's getting weak until winter, when your car starts struggling to start.
Should I lower my tyre pressure in summer?
No, my friend. Check your tyre pressure when the tyres are cold and stick to the manufacturer's recommended figures. Don't let air out just because the tyres have warmed up.
Why does my car's air conditioning smell bad?
The usual culprits are a dirty cabin filter and bacteria on the evaporator. What you need is a proper air conditioning service and a thorough clean, not just a refrigerant top-up.