Get your car ready for those hot days

With summer fast approaching, South Africans are getting ready for blue skies and hot summer days.

We can very easily forget about our cars and how the higher temperatures can affect them.

Overheating engines seem to be a big cause of breakdowns in slow-moving traffic as not enough cool air passes through the engine.

Here are some tips for you to consider when getting your car ready for summer.

1 Check the levels

It is important to constantly check your cars fluid levels. Make sure it has enough coolant as well as oil in the system. While you are at it check the brake fluid and the windscreen washer fluid. It is also important to note that the coolant level does not just refer to water but to a coolant fluid that mixes with the water. Consult your user manual to find out which coolant your car needs.

For an easy check, have a look at your coolant reservoir under the bonnet of your car, the bottle should have a ‘MIN’ and ‘MAX’ level. Your job is to make sure the coolant level remains close to the MAX than to the MIN by topping-up with distilled water and occasionally, coolant when required. If you’re uncomfortable checking this by yourself, most garage service stations offer this service for free when you fill-up.

Also read: Animals at risk during heat wave

2 Airflow

Throughout winter our cars tend to collect a lot of dead leaves and other bits of debris. Sometimes this debris can accumulate within the radiator. The problem is that this can prevent the radiator from getting cool air. To amend this one can simply get a tool or something of the like and remove the debris, as well as use a high-pressure washer to clean out the radiator and ensure it is free from bugs and other items potentially causing a blockage.

3 Get everything checked out

It’s not just the coolant and oil levels you should be checking. As the air temperature rises so too will the air in your tyres so make sure you check early in the morning. The recommended pressure can be found on a sticker in the driver’s side door on the B-pillar or inside the fuel filler cap. Make sure the tyres are not under-inflated as a flat tyre on a hot road can cause the sidewalls to fail. Over-inflated tyres will return a harsh ride and will affect vehicle handling. Optimal tyre inflation is dependent on load and will ensure your car handles properly and is as efficient as it should be too.

4 Make sure you are cool

It is as important for you to remain cool as it is for your car. If you are hot and void of cool, fresh air you could have a loss of concentration while behind the wheel. Make sure you get your car’s air conditioning system checked and refill the gas if need be. It is also advisable to fit your car with tinted windows as these not only keep the cabin cool but help to prevent UV exposure and deter hijackers to a certain degree.

We hope these tips have helped you get ready for those long, hot summer days.