Is your car ready for this Summer?

As we all are aware that mercury in thermometers is rising day by day. We can easily feel ourselves sweating while standing outside. Do we ever notice what our cars face in this hot summer?

Lets go through a simple checklist to know whether your car is able to cope with this hot weather.

1. Air Conditioning
2. Engine Coolant
3. Engine Lubricant/Oil
4. Tyres
5. Gates and Windows
6. Brakes
7. Exterior
Come, lets have a look of each point and see what all is to be done in that point.

1. Air Conditioning:

Most important thing which will keep you cool and comfortable inside the car whatever the temperature be outside. So it becomes your priority to check whether your AC is blowing cool air with proper air throw. If it is blowing cool air, then it is working as it is supposed to be. Wait, what if its not working properly in your case.
Since, it is rarely used in winters so there are chances of refrigerant leakage or low level of refrigerant. Get it done with a trained mechanic. Also ask him to clean your car's AC cabin filter or replace it if needed. Also ask him to clean condenser coil with pressurized water. Now, relax and focus on your driving.

2. Engine Coolant:

We talked about keeping you cool, but what about cooling of your car!
Here coolant in your car's radiator and coolant reservoir should be checked for its quantity and quality both. Top it up with a reliable brand's coolant. Make sure to only use distill water and not tap water.
For those cars, where monthly run is more than 2000Kms, drain the old coolant and put whole new coolant. This will take care of your engine's temperature.

3. Engine Lubricant/Oil:

Due to thermal expansion of metal at high temperatures, it takes a toll on your engine's smooth running. If the engine oil is old and has lost its lubricating efficiency, it can cause you to go for a full engine overhaul. It is preferred to always change engine oil before summers. Always use a good branded engine oil of recommended grade. For oil grade, you can check your car's manual. You can either go for mineral oil, semi-synthetic, fully-synthetic as per your pocket.
For mineral oil, change it after every 7000-8000 Kms. For Semi-synthetic, after every 10000-11000 Kms. For Fully-Synthetic, after every 15000-16000 Kms.

4. Tyres:

These are the link between you and hot tarmac. In summers, when temperature is around 45-48 °C, temperature of the road goes to 52-53 °C. When tyres run on this hot surface, the air inside the tyre gets heated and tyre pressure increases abruptly. So, if your tyres are worn out or not in proper condition, there may be a chance of tyre burst which directly hampers your safety. So, the condition and tyre pressure are very crucial to be maintained properly. If they are already worn out, then replace it with good quality tyres.

5. Gates and Windows:

Your AC is doing full efforts to keep you cool in hot weather. What if any of the window or door is not closed properly or there is a gap in its lining. Cool air from the interior leaks through this opening and you'll not get effective cooling, while your AC will keep burning extra fuel to maintain desired temperature. If you notice such kind of problem, get it fixed with a trained mechanic. Using sun shades for windows and parking your car in a shade is also recommended.

6. Brakes: 

You may look after them only when you feel they are not helping in slowing down or stopping your car. Do you ever consider whether after releasing the brake pedal brakes are released or not.
If your car's brakes are not releasing properly, they may generate heat by rubbing unnecessarily against the rotor disk. This might not be a risk for petrol & diesel cars but for LPG/CNG kit fitted cars, it may end up in fire. Many times you see a car catching fire on road while being driven. This may be one of the reason.

7. Exterior:

For some people, car is just a mode of transportation while for some it is their love or passion. For the former ones, cleaning the car from outside doesn't even matter and its fine as it depends on your convenience. Many time you park your car under a tree or wires. When you return you may notice bird poop on your car and you ignore it. But wait, do you know bird poop contains such acid which is harmful for your car's paint. Also heat of the sun and acid makes a deadly combination and might take away the lustrous shine of your car. If you don't prefer to clean your car daily, atleast clean the bird poop as soon as you notice it to protect your car's shine.

Performing these simple checks on your car can save you a lot of money and can add comfort to your daily commute.
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Author,
Motor Ministry