Seasonal Car Maintenance: Preparing for Summer and Winter
Every vehicle owner must maintain their automobile throughout the year. However, maintaining vehicles can be a challenge at times. It is particularly evident when there is a change of seasons. The cold weather of winter can influence vehicle components, including the batteries. Similarly, the scorching heat of summer might strain the engine. Tyres are also affected by extreme seasonal temperatures and require attention. Proper maintenance of the automobile in different seasons will enhance its longevity. Seasonal maintenance helps ensure both safety and comfort on the road. This post will discuss some guidelines to prepare your vehicle for summer, as well as winter.
1. Summer Maintenance: Air Conditioning System
Make sure that the vehicle's air conditioning system is in proper condition. Air conditioning units are used heavily in summer, and one should keep them in top condition. A functional AC system keeps the cabin cool during high temperatures. Maintaining the appliance regularly will ensure that the commuters' lives are comfortable. There will be no chance of breakdowns as well. In general, the air conditioning unit works more during the harsh summer months. Therefore, without maintenance, the AC may lose efficiency or develop faults. A professional will be the best person to inspect the AC appliance. A technician can thoroughly inspect the system and diagnose any issues.
Under normal circumstances, it would be advisable to run the AC unit for at least 10 minutes every week. It will prevent the build-up of moisture within the system. Moreover, if the air filter becomes dirty, it would be a good idea to replace it.
2. Winter Maintenance: Battery Health
Car batteries can stop working properly during winter. This makes battery maintenance especially important in winter. Sluggish chemical reactions inside the battery can make it harder for the engine to start. Consequently, vehicle owners must drive their automobiles regularly. Nevertheless, they should go for long trips instead of short ones.
The batteries can become corroded, particularly in winter. Therefore, the vehicle owner should avoid this by taking the required measures. The batteries must be stored in dry locations during the cold winter months. They must not be stored in the house or near a heat source. It will likewise be a good idea to use a battery maintainer. Proper care can help prevent winter-related battery issues.
3. Summer Maintenance: Tire Pressure
Another tip to maintain the vehicle would be to check the tyre pressure. The tyres can become overinflated with an increase in temperature. According to one study, there is an increase of one pound for every square inch of tyre pressure for a 10-degree increase in temperature. The vehicle can suffer from a lack of adequate traction because of this. Handling and braking may become less predictable. Therefore, one needs to inspect the tyres regularly in summer. It will be advisable to check tyre pressure at the interval of one month. Nevertheless, do not do this when the tyres are hot.
Correct tyre pressure improves both safety and performance. Otherwise, there will be less traction while driving on the road. This is due to the reduction of the tread patch. One will find it difficult to navigate the road during sharp turns in this case. It is a smart idea to stick to the recommendations made by vehicle manufacturers to maintain proper tyre pressure.
4. Winter Maintenance: Windshield Wipers and Washer Fluid
It is feasible for the vehicle's washer fluid to freeze during winter. Therefore, one will find it difficult to drive their car due to less visibility. Furthermore, the washer system can also suffer some impairments. Nevertheless, it is possible to overcome this condition. For this, one should fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir with formulas intended for minus 20° Fahrenheit. It will help to avoid freezing. Antifreeze agents are also present in certain winter washer fluids. This is also capable of melting ice. The primary intention of this fluid is to make the car free from any grime and grease.
Nonetheless, using the proper dosage, one can prevent ice formation. Also, check the washer fluid. This ensures visibility even in icy conditions. This is because the windshield will remain clear. On top of this, one should also inspect wiper blades to verify whether they have worn out. They should be swapped if required to make driving easy.
5. Summer Maintenance: Preventing Overheating
It is natural for the engine of a vehicle to become overheated during summer. In this case, the cooling system of the automobile will be useful. The cooling system and wheel alignment in Northampton should both be checked during summer. This system consists of a coolant that will maintain the temperature of the engine. Inspecting coolant levels will ensure that the four-wheeler is functioning optimally. High temperatures can also damage batteries. The battery can become corroded because of scorching heat..
Conclusion
Every vehicle owner likes to enjoy a pleasurable driving experience, irrespective of the season. By maintaining your vehicle properly, you can be assured of a comfortable driving experience. The recommendations made by the manufacturer of the vehicle matter a lot. If you're unsure, consult a qualified technician. Proper maintenance of the vehicle will help it to combat inclement weather conditions at any time of the year. For this, one can perform an MOT check in Northampton to keep their vehicle in good condition.
1. Summer Maintenance: Air Conditioning System
Make sure that the vehicle's air conditioning system is in proper condition. Air conditioning units are used heavily in summer, and one should keep them in top condition. A functional AC system keeps the cabin cool during high temperatures. Maintaining the appliance regularly will ensure that the commuters' lives are comfortable. There will be no chance of breakdowns as well. In general, the air conditioning unit works more during the harsh summer months. Therefore, without maintenance, the AC may lose efficiency or develop faults. A professional will be the best person to inspect the AC appliance. A technician can thoroughly inspect the system and diagnose any issues.
Under normal circumstances, it would be advisable to run the AC unit for at least 10 minutes every week. It will prevent the build-up of moisture within the system. Moreover, if the air filter becomes dirty, it would be a good idea to replace it.
2. Winter Maintenance: Battery Health
Car batteries can stop working properly during winter. This makes battery maintenance especially important in winter. Sluggish chemical reactions inside the battery can make it harder for the engine to start. Consequently, vehicle owners must drive their automobiles regularly. Nevertheless, they should go for long trips instead of short ones.
The batteries can become corroded, particularly in winter. Therefore, the vehicle owner should avoid this by taking the required measures. The batteries must be stored in dry locations during the cold winter months. They must not be stored in the house or near a heat source. It will likewise be a good idea to use a battery maintainer. Proper care can help prevent winter-related battery issues.
3. Summer Maintenance: Tire Pressure
Another tip to maintain the vehicle would be to check the tyre pressure. The tyres can become overinflated with an increase in temperature. According to one study, there is an increase of one pound for every square inch of tyre pressure for a 10-degree increase in temperature. The vehicle can suffer from a lack of adequate traction because of this. Handling and braking may become less predictable. Therefore, one needs to inspect the tyres regularly in summer. It will be advisable to check tyre pressure at the interval of one month. Nevertheless, do not do this when the tyres are hot.
Correct tyre pressure improves both safety and performance. Otherwise, there will be less traction while driving on the road. This is due to the reduction of the tread patch. One will find it difficult to navigate the road during sharp turns in this case. It is a smart idea to stick to the recommendations made by vehicle manufacturers to maintain proper tyre pressure.
4. Winter Maintenance: Windshield Wipers and Washer Fluid
It is feasible for the vehicle's washer fluid to freeze during winter. Therefore, one will find it difficult to drive their car due to less visibility. Furthermore, the washer system can also suffer some impairments. Nevertheless, it is possible to overcome this condition. For this, one should fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir with formulas intended for minus 20° Fahrenheit. It will help to avoid freezing. Antifreeze agents are also present in certain winter washer fluids. This is also capable of melting ice. The primary intention of this fluid is to make the car free from any grime and grease.
Nonetheless, using the proper dosage, one can prevent ice formation. Also, check the washer fluid. This ensures visibility even in icy conditions. This is because the windshield will remain clear. On top of this, one should also inspect wiper blades to verify whether they have worn out. They should be swapped if required to make driving easy.
5. Summer Maintenance: Preventing Overheating
It is natural for the engine of a vehicle to become overheated during summer. In this case, the cooling system of the automobile will be useful. The cooling system and wheel alignment in Northampton should both be checked during summer. This system consists of a coolant that will maintain the temperature of the engine. Inspecting coolant levels will ensure that the four-wheeler is functioning optimally. High temperatures can also damage batteries. The battery can become corroded because of scorching heat..
Conclusion
Every vehicle owner likes to enjoy a pleasurable driving experience, irrespective of the season. By maintaining your vehicle properly, you can be assured of a comfortable driving experience. The recommendations made by the manufacturer of the vehicle matter a lot. If you're unsure, consult a qualified technician. Proper maintenance of the vehicle will help it to combat inclement weather conditions at any time of the year. For this, one can perform an MOT check in Northampton to keep their vehicle in good condition.
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