The Great British Summer is nearly upon us and whether we're in for wall to wall sunshine or torrential rain, it pays to make sure your car is ready for those all important road trips. The changing seasons bring different driving challenges and whilst we tend to have more extreme conditions over the winter, the warmer months can still take their toll on your vehicle.
Our team recommend carrying out these essential checks before you hit the roads:
1. Tyres
A quick check of pressure and tread goes a long way for your entire vehicle. Properly inflated tyres will wear more evenly, reducing drag and consequently engine stress. The legal limit for tyre tread is 1.6mm across the central three quarters of the tyre but it is advisable to get them changed before they get too close to this limit.
2. Brakes
For obvious reasons, your brakes are one of the most important elements of your car to regularly check. However, to the untrained eye, detecting wear and tear in a timely manner can seem a bit daunting. Short of waiting for the warning light to come on, there are a few early signs that your brakes may need a check up.
First and foremost, if your car is taking longer than normal to slow down when you depress the pedal, it's probably time to get the brakes checked over. Similarly, strange noises are a sure fire way to tell that something may be amiss. A squealing sound could be your sensor warning you and a grinding noise could indicate worn pads.
A vibrating sensation when braking normally could be a sign of warped rotors and a 'mushy' feeling pedal or a tendency to 'grab' at the slightest touch are all changes that are worthy of further investigation.
3. Air conditioning
Not only will it keep you cool on those long, hot drives but a fully functioning air-con system also places less strain on your engine. Which in turn will result in greater fuel efficiency in ICE vehicles. This is because an underperforming air con system will be forced to work harder to circulate cool air around your vehicle.
Another tip to bear in mind is to ensure that you regularly have your air filters replaced to ensure you have good quality air circulating around your vehicle - especially important for hay fever sufferers.
4.Wheel alignment
It is a truth universally acknowledged by motorists across the UK, that potholes are the work of the devil. In addition to appearing out of nowhere and multiplying faster than Gremlins in water, potholes wreak havoc on your car's wheels, knocking them out of alignment. Similarly, driving over speed bumps too quickly, poor vehicle maintenance and minor collisions can all affect your tracking.
The most common sign that you may need your wheels balancing is a tendency for your car to veer or 'pull' to the left or right when driving.
5. Fluids
We all know that keeping oil levels topped up is vital to a healthy engine in an ICE vehicle. Regularly checking and maintaining the oil helps to keep your engine cool, clear of damaging debris and well lubricated. Neglecting oil checks and changes can result in extremely costly damage.
Similarly, keeping an eye on your brake fluid is essential as over time it can become contaminated with water, causing brake lines to rust. If you feel any abnormalities in the performance of your brakes, the fluid should be the first thing you check. A spongy brake pedal could also be an indication that you have a fluid leak.
Coolant, transmission fluids and power steering fluid will all need to be checked to ensure the smoothest possible driving experience. These can usually be done at home but in some cases they may require a precise type of fluid, so if in doubt, ask at your local dealership.
Last but certainly not least, don't forget to check your windscreen washer fluid! Whilst it's not pivotal to the performance of your vehicle, it is important for safe driving. You aren't going to get very far with a filthy windscreen, after all.
6. Bodywork
Keeping the exterior of your car clean is more than just a vanity exercise. It will prevent against rusting and corrosion, prolonging the life and value of your car. Using a dedicated vehicle glass cleaner on your windscreen will help prevent any distracting glare or smears. Ensuring that your headlights are free of dirt will also help improve your visibility to oncoming road users in bright sunshine and at night. In the warmer summer months, experts advise applying a wax coat to your car to protect it from intense sunlight. Think of it as an SPF for your paintwork.
Throughout May, you can get your tyres and brakes checked free of charge at our Murray Volkswagen retailers in Plymouth and Newton Abbot. Get in touch to find out more...