Automotive tips for the summer!

Before you head out on those wee weekends away this summer, make sure your car is up to the job! If you can’t bring it in for a service (which you should every 6 months anyway) then there are a few things that you can do at home to make sure your car is at least roadworthy! These tips are just a few things that every vehicle owner should know.

Oil

We don’t recommend performing your own oil change at home, even if you’re a bit of a hand with a car engine. Bring your vehicle in for us to do an oil change, but you can make sure your oil is topped up before you go off on any road trips this summer. If you don’t have enough oil in your car, it can cause catastrophic engine failure, and then you’re in serious trouble. You can check the amount of oil in your car by taking out the dipstick and checking the levels.

Battery

Summer can be harsh on car batteries. The heat in summer can speed up the chemical reaction in your battery, draining it faster. If it gets really hot, then the heat can actually evaporate the battery fluid. Keep your battery clean- this is the best way to avoid any problems. Secure it tightly, make sure it’s not bouncing around in its casing.

Tyres

As your only point of contact with the road, your car’s tyres are a very important part of the safety features of your car. In summer, as the weather gets hotter, the increase in temperature makes the actual tyre pressure change too- two PSI for every ten degrees Fahrenheit. Check the pressure on your tyres and make sure they’re not over or under inflated. Also make sure to check the tread depth on your tyres- anything lower than 3mm isn’t safe, and less than 1.5mm is illegal.

These simple automotive tips can help you over the summer. Stay safe on the roads and have a great summer!