Worried about how your car will handle the extreme Australian heat? Learn the essential checks and simple maintenance steps to keep your vehicle cool, reliable, and road-ready all summer long.
Did you know that Australia recorded its hottest day at 50.7 degrees Celsius? The country is known for its extreme weather, so you can definitely expect very hot days during the summer. Now preparing for the heat doesn’t just end with using sunscreen and drinking a lot of water. You also need to think about your vehicle, which takes in all that heat every time you go on the road.
From using custom car side window shades to checking your car thoroughly, these are just some of the things that you can do to prepare your car for the sweltering hot Australian summer:
Car maintenance should be an all-year-round thing, but it’s especially important during the summer. This is because the heat, dust and humidity can really take their toll on your car. Some of the things that you need to do during a car maintenance check should include:
Check tyre pressure: Your tyres take the most beating during the summer since they become a lot hotter than they usually do. And if you know anything about tyres, even the slightest change in tyre pressure can already cause serious problems like a blowout that could lead to accidents. During the summer, you have to check all your tyres for tyre pressure at least once every fortnight, and this includes your spare tyre. You should also check for any cracks or tread wear so you can have it fixed right away.
Aside from maintenance, you should also invest in accessories that will help keep your car cool and comfortable during the summer. For one, you have to put car shades on all your windows to keep your interiors cool and protect your car from harmful UV rays, which are higher during the summer. These shades also help to maintain the right temperature inside your car.
If you usually park outdoors, it would also be smart to invest in a car cover that will help to protect your paint from the damages caused by direct exposure to the sun and also reduce the buildup of heat, which can make it difficult to be inside your car before turning it on.
As a car owner, you’re not only responsible for driving your car but also for protecting it. Make sure to practice good car habits that will help to keep your vehicle in tiptop shape as you drive under the hot summer sun. For one, it’s very important to give your car a good wash regularly to ensure that there will be no dust and dirt buildup that could increase its wear and tear.
You should also check your car thoroughly before going out, especially if you’re going on a long drive. Be cautious about small details that could be a sign of a serious problem with your car. Make sure that your lights, wiper blades and other functionalities are working fine before you hit the road.
If you’re always out, try to find interior parking if you can to protect your car from direct exposure to the heat. But if you can’t, park your car somewhere with a shade, especially if it’s going to be outside for a long time. This is also a good time to re-learn the common mistakes that could make you more prone to highway accidents. According to research, accident rates are very high during the summer not only because there are more cars on the roads but also because the heat can easily cause more hot tempers in drivers. So if you don’t want to be part of that problem, it’s best to be on the cautious side when you’re driving.
Your car is just like any other machine. When the weather is hot, it has to work double time, which means that it’s also more prone to damage. So if you can, give your car time to rest for at least a day. You can take public transportation or use another car to give it time to cool down and rest its parts before it goes back to work. This doesn’t only save you money on fuel but also ensure that you can maximise the life of your vehicle.
Finally, don’t think twice about investing in a new vehicle if your car has been with you for a long time. Summer is usually the best time to buy a new car since you can find good offers on the market and you can put it to the test on a road trip after. Buying a good quality car means getting to enjoy it no matter what time of the year and ensure that you’re making the most out of your investment.
Now if you need custom car shades for your windows, we have the experts for you. Get in touch with us and we’ll take care of you.
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