Get Summer Ready
Summer’s here, and your car deserves some sunshine prep, too! Don’t worry; you don’t need to be a mechanic whiz to get your vehicle ready for the hot season. This guide will walk you through every step, ensuring your car stays happy and healthy. You might even surprise yourself and discover it’s easier than you thought!
Check Your Levels
Checking your levels is always a great place to start. Keeping your car topped up with clean oil is always important, but it becomes even more crucial during the scorching summer months. Why? Because high temperatures put a significant strain on your engine, and dirty or old oil just won’t cut it. Think of clean oil as a superhero for your engine – it fights friction, reduces wear and tear, and helps everything run smoothly. So, let’s make sure your car’s summer adventures are filled with happy memories, not mechanical problems that could have been easily avoided!
Engine Oil
Checking your oil level is a breeze, and you can do it yourself. First, park on a level surface, give your car time to settle, and then find the oil dipstick. This handy tool is usually near the front of your engine (but always consult your owner’s manual if you’re unsure because some cars, like the Land Rover Discovery 4, don’t have one, and you have to check it through the screen on your dashboard!). With a traditional dipstick, pull it out, wipe off any oil with a rag, and then re-insert it back in. Now, the magic happens! When you pull the dipstick out again, you’ll see markings indicating the minimum and maximum oil levels. If the oil sits between those marks, you’re good to go!
Running your car with low oil is a big no-no. Not enough oil means more friction, which leads to overheating and potential engine damage. So, if your oil level is low, top it up using the recommended oil grade for your car (check your owner’s manual for that info).
Regular oil checks are important, but complete oil changes are essential for your car’s health. (This is taking it up a notch, so you may want to contact a trained mechanic) This process involves draining the old oil, replacing the oil filter (where dirt and grime get trapped), and refilling the system with fresh oil.
Feeling adventurous and want to tackle an oil change yourself? Make sure you have everything you need before you start. This includes fresh oil, a new oil filter, the right tools to remove the old filter, and fresh gaskets for the oil pan. Remember, there’s nothing worse than getting halfway through a project and realising you’re missing a crucial piece – and trust us, your car won’t be happy with you either!
Engine Coolant
Your car’s engine might be a powerhouse, but it can’t handle the heat alone. That’s where engine coolant comes in, your trusty sidekick that keeps things from overheating. And the good news? Checking and topping up your coolant is one of the most straightforward car maintenance tasks you can do!
Open the bonnet and look around. The coolant reservoir is usually a see-through plastic container, making it easy to spot. It will likely have the coolant symbol on the lid to help you identify it.
On the side of the coolant reservoir, you’ll see two lines: minimum and maximum fill levels. Like with your oil, the coolant level should sit between these two marks.
If your coolant is low, don’t worry! Topping it up is simple:
- Make sure your engine is completely cool. Hot coolant can be dangerous, so patience is key here. Once cool, grab the correct coolant for your car (check your owner’s manual for this info).
- Carefully remove the reservoir lid and pour in coolant until it reaches the proper level.
- Securely screw the lid back on.
Power Steering Fluid
Have you ever wondered why turning the steering wheel feels so easy? Thank the power steering fluid. Keeping this fluid topped up is crucial; the good news is that it’s similar to checking your engine oil! Open the bonnet and head towards the back of the engine bay on the driver’s side. Look for a clearly labelled reservoir, usually made of plastic or metal. If you’re struggling to identify it, check your owner’s manual. Like engine oil, there should be minimum and maximum fill lines on the side. The fluid level should sit comfortably between these markings. Is your power steering fluid low? Not a problem! Topping it up is a simple process. First, make sure you use the correct fluid – most are red or clear, but always consult your owner’s manual for the exact type your car needs. To avoid spills, a funnel is your best friend here. Slowly pour in the fluid until it reaches the maximum fill line, but be careful not to overfill! Once you’re done, securely screw the cap back on.
Brake Fluid
Your brakes are arguably the most important feature of your car. And guess what keeps those brakes working? Brake fluid, the unsung hero that transmits pressure from your brake pedal to the wheels, allowing you to stop smoothly and safely. Brake fluid, like all fluids, needs attention. While most manufacturers recommend changing it every two years, it’s wise to check it regularly in between. Don’t worry; checking brake fluid is a simple process you can do yourself!
To get started, open your bonnet. The brake fluid reservoir will be hiding under there. It’s usually a white plastic container, and you should be able to see the dark-coloured brake fluid inside.
Check the fluid level. There will be markings on the side of the reservoir indicating the minimum and maximum fill lines. If the fluid level dips below the minimum, it’s time to top up and get your brakes checked by a professional ASAP. Safety first!
Before you top up, cleaning the reservoir cap is a good idea to prevent debris from entering the system. Once clean, remove the cap and carefully add fresh brake fluid (refer to your owner’s manual for the exact type) until it reaches the maximum fill line. Remember, don’t overfill! Secure the cap tightly.
Take a short drive and apply the brakes a few times. When you return home, open the bonnet again and recheck the brake fluid level. This ensures there are no leaks and that the fluid level hasn’t mysteriously dropped.
If you top up your brake fluid and it seems to disappear shortly after, don’t ignore it! This could be a sign of a leak in the system, and that’s a job for a qualified mechanic. Don’t hesitate to get your car checked to ensure your brakes are in tip-top shape.
Screen wash
If you’ve got this far, this next step will be an absolute breeze! Topping up your screen wash is the most straightforward job of them all. Open up the bonnet, find the reservoir, and fill it up to the top. Some cars have a little sieve to stop debris from getting in and blocking your hoses. You usually have the choice between scented and unscented screen wash as well, so see how you feel—maybe treat your car to its equivalent of perfume for the summer!
Check Your Tyres
You should be mechanically sound now that we know all your fluids are correct! But before you hit the open road, it’s crucial to make sure your car is fully summer-ready, and that includes your tyres!
Bulges, Cuts, and Tread Wear
Give your tyres a good once-over. Look out for any bulges or cuts in the sidewall (on the inside of the wheel as well as the outside!). These can be dangerous and lead to blowouts, so if you find anything out of the ordinary, it’s best to get them checked by a professional immediately.
Next, check the tread wear. Uneven wear can indicate a suspension problem. Imagine your tyres are the shoes on your car – if they’re wearing unevenly, it could mean something’s misaligned. So, you may need to get your wheels aligned because something like the toe or camber is out. If you see any unevenness, get this checked to avoid future issues.
Check Your Tire Codes
Tires, like all things, have a lifespan. On the sidewall of your tyre, you’ll find a four-digit code that tells you exactly how old they are. The first two digits represent the week they were made, and the last two digits represent the year. It’s best to replace any tyres that are over ten years old. Rubber ages and loses its grip over time, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Remember to check all 4 tyres! If the car is new to you, you don’t know the entire history, or you just have bad memory, you may not know when each tyre was put on. The best practice is to replace tyres in pairs and then rotate them around the car to ensure you make the most of the tyre. On 4x4s, the front tyres tend to age faster than the rear because they are used for steering, so rotating them will mean you can make the most of the tyre even if it is wearing at a different rate.
Don’t Forget the Spare!
Getting a puncher or having a tyre fail on you is a bad day out! However, a useless spare would make it an even worse day! The last thing you want on a summer adventure is a flat tyre and a useless spare. Make sure your spare tyre is properly inflated and in good condition (If it is a full-size alloy, it should be part of your tyre rotation). If you don’t have a spare, consider investing in some tyre sealant. While it’s not a foolproof solution, having a couple of cans can give you a fighting chance of making a temporary repair and getting to a mechanic.
Clean It!
A clean car isn’t just about pride and joy (although, let’s face it, a sparkling car is pretty satisfying); it’s also about keeping your car healthy. Regular cleaning removes dirt, debris, and built-up grime that can damage the paintwork and interior over time.
We recommend starting from the outside and working your way in. A pressure washer and snow foam are your best friends for blasting off the worst winter dirt. Think of it as a power shower for your car! Once the major grime is gone, it’s time to focus on the finer details. Car shampoo, polish, waxes, and even ceramic coatings can work wonders on your paintwork, leaving it gleaming like new. Don’t forget about the wheels!
Now it’s time to tackle the inside. Months of rain, sludge, and whatever else winter throws at you can leave your car interior a little worse for wear. Start with a thorough vacuuming to remove all the loose dirt and debris. Then, it’s scrubbing time! Car upholstery and leather treatments can work wonders on stubborn stains.
By giving your car a good clean inside and out, you’re making it look amazing and helping it run smoothly. Regular cleaning removes dirt and grime that can cause problems down the road so that you can spend less time tinkering and more time enjoying summer adventures.
Make Sure Your Air-Con is Gassed Up
Air conditioning offers a cool escape, making those summer journeys comfortable and safe. No more battling the heat with open windows and ear-popping wind noise. Air conditioning keeps you comfortably cool, even on the hottest days. Like any other system in your car, your air conditioning needs TLC. Getting your AC checked before summer is a smart move. Most experts recommend replacing the air filters annually (or every 12,000-15,000 miles), especially if you drive in dusty conditions.
Plymouth Radiators: Your Air Conditioning Saviours
Our team of qualified technicians has over 30 years of experience keeping car interiors cool. We offer a comprehensive AC service that includes:
- A thorough system check and test
- Full service and re-gassing (including oil, filters, and refrigerant)
- New pollen filters for cleaner air
- Heater blower component checks and replacements (if needed)
- A refreshing 30-minute cockpit sanitisation
Plus, we can handle repairs and replacements for various AC components.
By keeping your car’s air conditioning in top shape, you’re ensuring a cool and comfortable driving experience all summer long. So beat the heat and contact Plymouth Radiators today! We also offer winter checks and general car maintenance to keep your car happy year-round.
Contact Us
As well as our Air Conditioning Installation and Servicing to keep you cool. We offer Car Radiator Repair, Classic Car Radiator Repair or Motorcycle Radiator Repair, Plymouth Radiators should be your first port of call to ensure you don’t have to worry about engine overheating causes.
You can call us during our regular hours at 01752 666402 or in emergencies at 07989 973385, and we will be happy to assist with your vehicle radiator repairs.