Although this summer hasn't been as warm as previous years, it's still very important to keep ontop of your car's maintenance. Make sure you can make the most of your summer, enjoying day trips to the seaside and sunny evening drives with these handy summer car maintenance tips!

Maintain Your Car’s Tyres for Summer

One of the most important aspects of summer car maintenance is ensuring that your tyres are in good condition. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Check the air pressure in tyres and tread depth: Proper tyre pressure is crucial for safe driving, especially in hot weather. Check your owner's manual or the sticker inside the driver's side door for the recommended pressure. Also, ensure your tyres have enough tread depth to provide adequate traction on wet roads.
• Rotate tyres if necessary: Rotating your tires regularly can help extend their lifespan and improve performance. Check your owner's manual for the recommended rotation schedule.
• Regularly check condition: Make sure your tyres have no cracks or uneven wear. Always carry a spare tyre in your car, too!
• Look for the key signs that your car tyres may need replacing
• Consider switching to summer tyres: If you live in an area with hot summers, you may want to switch to summer tyres. These tyres are designed to provide better handling and performance in high temperatures.

Change Your Oil and Filters

Regular oil changes are essential for keeping your engine running smoothly, as well as checking your car's air filter. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Schedule an oil change before a long trip: If you're planning a road trip this summer, make sure to schedule an oil change beforehand. This will help ensure that your engine is running at its best.
• Replace air conditioning filters: Dirty filters can reduce your car's performance and fuel efficiency. Make sure to replace your vehicle's air filter regularly. If your AC is just blowing out hot hair, this is a sign you need it repaired.
• Check other fluids (coolant, brake, transmission): In addition to oil, make sure to check your other fluids regularly. This includes coolant, brake fluid and transmission fluid.

Maintain Your Car's Battery and Electrical System

Your car's battery and electrical system are crucial for starting and running your vehicle. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Test battery and replace if necessary: Hot weather can be tough on car batteries. Make sure to test your battery regularly and replace it if necessary.
• Check all lights and signals: Make sure all of your car's lights and signals are working properly, including headlights, taillights, brake lights, and indicators.

Keep Your Vehicle's Interior Clean

You might not realise this but if your car’s windshield is dirty, it can actually be a hazard. Even from the inside, that haze will diffuse the light and make things more difficult to see. Dirt in your car can mount up so easily over time and we don’t always notice it but it’s really important to keep on top off. Not just for hygiene but also for safety purposes. Make sure to always keep your windows clean and wipe down your dashboard to remove dust.

Prepare for Car Emergencies

No matter how well you maintain your car, emergencies can still happen. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

• Pack an emergency kit: Make sure to pack an emergency kit in your car, including items like jumper cables, a first aid kit, a blanket, water and a torch. This AA breakdown and emergency kit has the essentials that you need in an emergency.
• Check spare tyre and jack: Make sure your spare tyre is properly inflated and that you have a working jack and lug wrench.
• Review insurance coverage and roadside assistance options: Make sure you have adequate insurance coverage and look into signing up for roadside assistance coverage across the UK.
• If your car does breakdown, we at Adderley Green Garage offer breakdown recovery around Stoke-on-Trent.

Summer Car Maintenance At Adderley Green Garage

Summer car maintenance is essential for keeping your vehicle running smoothly and safely during the hot months ahead. By following this checklist, you can help ensure that your car is in top condition for all of your summer adventures. Remember to check your tyres, change your oil and filters, keep your car cool, check your battery and electrical system, and prepare for emergencies.

For expert summer car maintenance and more, get in touch with us at Adderley Green Garage in Longton, Stoke on Trent. Book your appointment today!