Keeping your car cool, safe, and functioning as it should in the summer months is actually harder than it looks. There are plenty of components under the bonnet that require regular attention to avoid wear and tear, faults, and (in the worst-case scenario) a breakdown. 

From battery life and tyre pressure to cooling systems and air conditioning, here’s how you can beat the heat with summer car maintenance tips for a safer, more comfortable driving experience in the warmer months.

1. Keep your cool with air con checks

There’s nothing worse than expecting a cool stream of air, but being met with a hot blast through your vents instead. To stay cool in a stifling hot cabin, make sure your air conditioning system is functioning properly. This involves:

• Booking your car for an air con recharge if your vents are blowing out hot or smelly air.
• Getting your cabin filters cleaned to avoid restricted airflow and allergens entering your system. 
• Cleaning your vents with a dust cloth for a better quality of air flow.
• Using your air con year-round to keep it working well.

2. Hydration is key: keep those fluids topped up

Just as we need plenty of water when it’s warm out, our cars require the right levels of the right fluids in order to work properly in the summer months. 

Coolant

The risk of overheating is much higher during the summer months, so ensuring you have adequate coolant levels is a must if your car is to beat the heat, especially before long journeys.

Oil

As well as coolant, check your oil levels and top up your engine oil if needed. At this point, it’s also worth asking yourself when your last oil change was and booking in for an oil and filter change if you can’t remember!

Windscreen washer fluid

Many people assume washer fluid is the most useful in the winter months when the weather is worse, but it’s actually the summer months when this comes in handy. 

Dust from the road and agricultural vehicles can stick to your windscreen, obscuring your vision, especially when coupled with glare from the sun. For safe driving and maximum visibility, you need to be able to clear your windscreen effectively. So, top up that bottle with a reputable brand of fluid and enjoy a clear view of the road. 

3. Don’t let your batteries take a battering in the heat 

It’s not just cold weather that can impact your battery health; hot weather can also reduce your car battery’s capacity and lifespan. So, when it’s hot outside, take the time to quickly lift the bonnet and check your battery, making sure everything is working as it should. Some simple checks you can conduct yourself are:

• Visually inspecting the battery for signs of corrosion (a green-coloured build-up at the terminals).
• Test the voltage manually with a multimeter. A healthy battery should give a reading of between 12.4 and 12.7 volts. 
• Clean your battery terminals and ensure the connections are tight. 

If your battery is over 3 years old and you notice signs of reduced performance (frequent jump starts or difficulty starting the engine), it may be time for a replacement.

4. Make sure your tyres can handle the heat

Your tyres behave differently in warmer weather, with higher temperatures changing tyre pressure significantly, potentially accelerating rates of uneven wear. As such, check your pressure regularly to make sure it’s not too high. When it’s warm, the air in your tyres expands which can lead to over-inflation, wearing down the central strip of your tyres at a faster rate than the sides. This can cause damage (like cracking or bulging) if left unchecked, especially if on long road trips.

Before setting off on a long journey, visually inspect your tyres for damage, check their pressure, and make sure the tread depth is above the minimum level of 1.6mm. Top tip: don’t overlook your spare! A well-inflated spare tyre can mean the difference between a quick fix if you encounter a puncture and waiting at the side of the road for a tow truck in the heat for hours.

Beat the heat with Tyre Pros

If you’re worried about the condition of your car this summer, let the vehicle experts at Tyre Pros help. We can perform the necessary essential checks and maintenance of your car’s core components to ensure that your vehicle is well and truly road-ready and prepared for summer driving. 

From free battery health checks and air con regas to free tyre checks and oil changes, book your car in at your local Tyre Pros centre and never worry about maintenance again, especially not in the warm weather.