Is your car ready for summer driving?
The weather is getting warmer, temperatures on the rise and summer is on the way; what better time to take a long, leisurely drive, whether it’s a holiday, getaway, road trip or day out? But before you do, make sure your car is in the best condition to get you to your destination. Nobody wants a mid-journey breakdown, so here are a few things to look out for.
Tyres
Check your tyres visually, looking for cuts, bulges, damage, or punctures. Also, check your tyre pressures, remembering to change the pressure if you’re carrying a heavy load, as recommended in your vehicle manufacturer’s handbook. Also, ensure your tyres are legal: if the tread is below 1.6mm, the tyre is illegal in the UK. If you’re unsure, pop into your local tyre centre or garage and get your tyres checked out.
One other thing - if you have a foam emergency spare wheel, it’s a good idea to check that the canister is still within date, and, if not, get a replacement.
Wheel alignment
What with so many potholes on the roads and hitting them can cause your wheels to become misaligned. You may notice this if your car pulls to one side as you’re driving. This can also put extra tension on your tyres, and you may find one side wears out faster than the other. Pop into your local tyre centre if your wheels are out of alignment. They can quickly check and sort them out.
Battery
If you haven’t been using your car much, it may be a good idea to check out the battery and ensure it’s not running out of juice! The last thing you want on a road trip is a flat battery. If you have a battery charger, you can do it at home or pop into your local garage for a battery health check.
Fluids
It’s always a good idea to check your vehicle’s fluid levels, including the brake fluid, coolant, engine oil and screenwash. Obviously, your engine is the most important consideration – a thicker oil in the summer months could potentially aid your car’s performance and longevity. When your car goes in for a service, it will generally undergo an oil change, but if you’re unsure about any of your vehicle’s fluids, check with your local garage or dealership.
Lights
Even though the nights are getting lighter, it’s important to make sure all your vehicle lights are working. Before you go on a long trip, walk around your car and check everything’s in working order, including brake lights, headlights, indicators and fog lights. You’ll need to ask a friend or relative to help you do this. It’s also a good idea to give your light casings a clean, as a build-up of dirt can dim your lights.
Windscreen wipers
We all know how a UK summer shapes up! If you’re on a trip, there’s nothing worse than the irritating noise of faulty windscreen wipers, not to mention the smeared windscreen and lack of vision, which can be dangerous. Generally, windscreen wipers need replacing after about a year, so it may be time to get some new wipers. Check your windscreen fluid is topped up to see if that makes a difference. If not, it's definitely time to replace your wipers!
Air conditioning
When it’s hot, air conditioning is invaluable, but don’t leave it to the last minute to make sure your air con system is working properly. Running the AC system regularly for around 15 minutes will help to keep the system fresh and active, but if it’s playing up, definitely get it checked out at your local garage or dealership.
A good clean
Over the winter months, salt, dirt, grime, and grit can build up on your car’s underbody, contributing to rust and corrosion. If you don’t have the correct cleaning equipment, it might pay to have it done professionally, ensuring all those hard-to-reach areas - underneath the bumpers and beneath the wheel well - are properly cleaned.
Happy driving!
We hope the above pointers will be useful in helping to ensure stress-free driving when you’re out and about this summer. It’s always better to be prepared rather than leave it to the last minute. Also, make sure your car insurance is accurate and up to date. If you want to discuss your cover, renew or make any changes, please get in touch. Call the team at NLIG on 01992 703 300 or email us at insurance@nlig.co.uk