Summer Car Care Checklist: 9 Vital Safety Checks to Avoid Breakdowns

With summer around the corner, the heat brings its own set of challenges for car owners. All car owners should make it a point to regularly check their car for signs of wear. Summer safety checks for external elements such as tyres and lights, or those evident while driving, such as high engine temperature or brake fade are crucial.

Whether you have a new car or a used car, you want to keep it safe from the effects of summer heat, especially those that may pose a greater risk. Everything from incorrect tyre pressure to overheating from low fluid levels can cause distress in some form. 

There are some simple summer safety checks and actions which can help you keep your car safe from the ravages of a hot summer. These checks will also help you get accustomed to various functions of the car and improve your confidence on the road. Here are the most important summer safety checks for your car.

Summer Safety Check 1) Tyre Condition

Checking the tyre pressure is a basic rule and stands true for a number of situations. Remember, whether you have 60 bhp or 600 bhp, the only contact your car has with the road is through the four small patches on its tyres. Always maintain the recommended tyre pressure at all times. Consider the load you will have and the ambient temperature of the area.

You need to check the tread depth and look for signs of wear such as cracks or bulges which may lead to deterioration of the tyre’s condition. Also remember that heat causes air to expand. If you have a significantly long distance to cover, you may notice a slightly higher air pressure after a while.

Don’t forget to check the spare tyre regularly and keep it in good condition, too.

Summer Safety Check 2) Braking Performance

The brakes are an important element in maintaining control and coming to a stop safely. You can only maintain highway speed if you’re sure the brakes work well. All cars of this era have essential technologies and use hydraulic brakes equipped with ABS (anti-lock braking system) for optimised stopping. Top up the brake fluid as needed.

Cleaning the brake rotors, callipers and wheel-speed sensors ensures smoother braking performance. Inspect the brake pads for wear and replace them if necessary. The heat generated during braking is considerable. The last thing anyone needs is metal to metal contact and a significantly more expensive parts replacement.

Also perform periodic checks to ascertain the brake response and pay attention for any unusual noise.

Summer Safety Check 3) Coolant Level

Higher temperatures increase the rate of coolant evaporation, which can lead to overheating. Periodically check the temperature gauge and top up the coolant level in the radiator with a coolant mix as needed.

If you need assistance, you may visit a service centre to have the necessary car checks done for you. It is wise to get the car serviced before the onset of summer, depending on your usage.

Summer Safety Check 4) Engine Oil Level

Ensure the correct engine oil level and make sure to check and top it up whenever necessary. The oil is the lifeblood of the engine and helps regulate engine temperature internally, while also lubricating and minimising wear.

Also have the level of the gearbox oil or, for an automatic car, the transmission fluid, checked as a precaution.

Summer Safety Check 5) Wiper Washer Fluid Level

Top up the windscreen wiper fluid with a mix of water and a small amount of mild detergent. This helps deliver a soapy solution which makes for a smoother wipe which is less abrasive on the glass. Usually, a car’s washer fluid reservoir holds around 1.5 to 2 litres.

For cars with a rear washer jet, ensure proper functioning and pressure. Adjust the angle of the jets if necessary. Shooting water over the car, completely missing the windshield and on to other road users behind you can be annoying.

Summer Safety Check 6) Battery Health

The 12-volt battery sitting under the bonnet in the corner does a lot. From powering the starter motor which starts the engine to all the lights and auxiliary functions, it takes care of many aspects in the background. High temperatures can affect the life of the battery.

Ensure the terminals are clean and that the connectors are tightly fastened for optimum performance. If the car has starting trouble or shows signs of electrical issues, check the battery voltage or consult a mechanic to assess its condition and charge if needed..

Summer Safety Check 7) In-car Storage

The intensity of the summer heat can take a toll on some items inside the car. Avoid putting anything light and heat-sensitive which may melt or, worse, catch fire. Using a decorative dashboard mat may not only hamper vision due to reflection but also may warp or melt under heat, damaging the dashboard surface.

Plastic items may have a negative impact on cabin air quality or even more severe consequences depending upon their quality. Metal objects tend to retain heat for a longer period of time. Keeping heavy metal objects in the cabin can also reduce the effectiveness of the car’s air-conditioning system.

Summer Safety Check 8) Lighting Functionality

Although this isn’t particular to summer safety checks, lighting is an important consideration at all times. Ensure proper functioning of all lighting elements—headlights, tail-lights, turn-indicators front and rear and the brake and high-mount stop lights as equipped, as well as the hazard lights. These are important for ensuring maximum visibility, especially in panic braking situations or, obviously, after dark.

Summer Safety Check 9) Sunroof Care

If you have a new or a second hand car with a sunroof, make sure that the powered system is functional and that the sun-blind closes correctly. Furthermore, ensure the sunroof drains are not clogged, as trapped moisture can cause damage. This is particularly important for cars with panoramic glass roofs. The heat build-up can cause serious discomfort and is a potential hazard if the car is parked in direct sunlight.

Additional Tips

Apart from the essential summer safety checks for your car mentioned above, there are other actions you can perform for maximising safety and comfort on hot days.

• Park your car in the shade wherever possible. Even if it means walking a little further to where you were going, it will ensure a more comfortable cabin when you return.
• After parking, raise the windscreen wipers to prevent overheating of the blade’s rubber contact.
• Cover your car whenever possible if it is parked in the open. It can help protect the paint and body as well as help get a higher resale value for your car later.
• Use a sunshade for the windscreen, particularly if the dashboard is exposed to direct sunlight.
• Air the car out when you get in by lowering the windows for a few seconds with the blower turned up. Do not directly switch on the air-conditioner to its lowest setting.
• Use the air-conditioner and ventilation functions to create a more pleasant cabin quickly.
• Keep an emergency bag handy. It should contain a flashlight, water bottles, medical supplies, and any other items you may need in case of an unexpected breakdown.

Conclusion

The summer heat can do a number on your car if you aren’t prepared. These simple summer safety checks can prevent discomfort, improve car and occupant health, and even keep you safer in some situations. From maintaining the correct tyre pressure to topping up fluids on time, small and timely actions can make a big difference. Take care of your car, and it will take care of you.