Get your Car ready for Summer

Most drivers are aware of the benefits of having their daily ride checked out in

readiness for the winter months, however ensuring your vehicle is fit for summer is equally important for your comfort and safety.

Having your vehicle checked over twice a year may seem excessive to some, but most would agree that if you take the view that you may be carrying around your entire family on long holiday trips during the summer months, it would be wise to let a professional cast their eye over at least the major components, such as brakes and steering.

The main points to consider are the following:

Engine: Oil needs to be changed regularly and the level checked to ensure adequate lubrication of the entire system. If left unchecked the oil deteriorates and will start to sludge up your engine, so it's well worth having it changed between annual services. Another point of concern is the condition of the cooling system. The antifreeze concentration not only stops the water in your engine from freezing, but actually acts as a coolant. Modern antifreeze has special rust inhibitors which help keep corrosion from starting within the system, so it's essential that the correct ratio of water to antifreeze is maintained. The radiator should be inspected for leaks along with all the pipes and fittings just in case there is evidence of leakage. Just a point to note, if your engine ever boils over, never ever undo the filler cap whilst it's still hot. Leave it to cool down before even looking under the bonnet just in case a pipe blows and you end up covered in boiling water! The other mistake people make is to refill a boiling hot engine with cold water, DON'T!!! This causes a sudden temperature drop which can in turn, crack an engine!

Brakes: A reputable garage will normally inform you if your brake pads will last until the next service, however, think about how many miles you have done since they were last inspected, have you changed your daily route to work and been driving in areas where there are more roundabouts than usual? All these points need to be considered as they may increase brake wear.

Tyres: Tyres need to be inspected very regularly not just for wear, but for damage caused by nails, screws and stones etc. The last thing you want on a family holiday whilst its pouring down with rain is to have to empty the entire contents of the boot to gain access to the spare wheel!

Screen Wash: It sounds ludicrous; however some drivers miss out this check to their peril. Top up the level with a good quality additive to ensure maximum cleaning. Driving along in the dark with a coating of dust that the wipers alone can't shift is not funny, and made even worse in a sudden downpour when the windscreen becomes a sheet of translucent mud!

First Aid Kit and Water: Check that your vehicle contains a first aid kit and that the contents are in date. Kits normally contain plasters, bandages etc but consider throwing in some bite cream just in case. Carrying water is a great idea as you just don't know when, or indeed how long you are going to be stuck in a motorway jam. Dehydration leads to headaches and drowsiness, so it's worth buying a bottle or two and keeping them in the car at all times.

Other items to consider: Torch, Map, Sat Nav (life savers), hi visibility coat, money (for tolls etc), warning triangles, spare bulbs and fuses. All of these items come in handy at some point but are often overlooked. Essentially its far better to plan ahead for most eventualities rather than the attitude of "it will be okay" try explaining that to a thirsty six year old whose been sitting in a traffic jam for the last three hours.

Get your Car ready for Summer

By: Vic Ramlaul

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