Essential Summer Tips for Car Maintenance
High temperatures can negatively impact both people and vehicles. Common issues include tire blowouts, dead batteries, radiator leaks, and cracked hoses. However, by following a few simple yet effective tips, you can avoid these problems. Hamid Maaref, Marketing Manager at Orange Auto, shares some essential tips to help you keep your car in shape during the summer months.
Pre-Summer Inspection
Question: What parts and areas should be checked before summer arrives?
There are six key areas that individuals should focus on to ensure their cars are ready for the scorching summer months. Starting from the tires and moving upwards, it's crucial to check the car's battery, air conditioning system, and engine fluids. Additionally, try to park in the shade whenever possible and wash your car regularly.
Tire Inspection
Question: What should be checked when inspecting tires, and how often should they be replaced?
The simplest way to check your tires is to inspect their surface. If the tires are smooth and worn, it's a clear sign that it's time to visit a tire shop for replacements. If the surface is in good condition, ensure there are no sidewall cracks and check the tire manufacturing date, which is indicated by a four-digit code representing the year of manufacture.
Battery Inspection
Question: How can someone determine if their car battery is in good condition or needs replacing?
There are three easy steps to check the condition of your battery:
- When attempting to start the car, listen carefully to ensure the car is not struggling or taking longer than usual to start.
- While driving, run the air conditioning at full blast and continuously monitor the dashboard for any flickering lights.
- Utilize a voltmeter to get an accurate reading, ensuring the battery voltage is above 12.4 volts.
Extending Battery Life
Question: How can people extend the life of their car battery?
To prolong battery life, some individuals may disconnect unnecessary accessories like subwoofers, amplifiers, and dash cams, as these can drain the battery when the car is off. It’s advisable to park in the shade, as high temperatures can shorten battery lifespan. Lastly, check under the hood to ensure that battery terminals and wires are tight and securely connected.
Inspecting Fluids Under the Hood
Question: Which fluids should be checked under the hood?
It's important to check two fluids: windshield washer fluid and engine oil. If the oil appears dark when you pull the dipstick, it’s time for an oil change. If the engine oil is excessively thick, it is essential to change it immediately without delay.
Air Conditioning System Check
Question: How can one check if the air conditioning system is functioning properly?
Along with noticing a drop in cooling performance, pay attention to any strange odors or sounds coming from the air conditioning system, as these symptoms may indicate a potential problem with the cooling system.
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