Summer heat isn't just a pain for us; it's tough on our cars, too! Parked under the scorching sun or crawling through traffic on a hot day can take a serious toll. This intense heat can damage vital components and lead to unexpected breakdowns, leaving you stranded on the roadside.

In fact, according to the 'Road Accidents in India 2022' report released by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), 74% of road accidents in the country occurred during sunny weather.

But fear not! With simple car care precautions, you can keep your vehicle running smoothly and reliably all summer. Here are seven essential car care tips for summer to ensure your car thrives in the heat, avoiding breakdowns and keeping you cool on the road.

1. Keeping the Cabin Cool

When possible, park your car in the shade; however, if this is not possible, keeping the windows slightly down helps cross-ventilation and extracts warm air from the cabin. Ensure that the window is not rolled down too far; this poses a security concern.

When parked in the sun, a sunshade on your windows is one of the most effective ways to keep some heat away. Remember to install a sunshade on your rear window, particularly if you plan to park for over an hour. Use these visors only when parked; keeping them while driving is forbidden.

2. Get your AC Serviced

A car's air conditioner is the most heavily used on a hot day. We are all aware that air-conditioning systems require a significant amount of maintenance. To protect the machine, the compressor oil should be changed regularly. There are frequent coolant leaks, and dust and grime can cause the system to overheat and fail. As a result, have your car's air conditioning equipment tested by a skilled technician before the heat of summer arrives.

A typical summer complaint among automobile owners is that their air conditioner takes too long to chill the cabin. Regardless of how strong your AC unit is, removing all the heat trapped within the car takes time, especially while parked in direct sunlight. To avoid this, roll down the windows first and let some of the heat escape after you get into the car. Switch to the highest fan setting and wait for a couple of minutes. Roll up the windows and switch the AC on once you feel that the car's interior temperature matches the outside.

3. Monitor your tyre Pressure

Another important car tip in the list of car care tips for summer is to monitor and maintain your tyre pressure. Tyres, despite their importance on the road, are one of the most overlooked components of an auto. Unfortunately, several car owners are unaware of the recommended pressure settings. This can be especially disastrous during the summer when low pressure can quickly destroy a car's tyres.

Poor tyre pressure control on a hot day can harm your sidewall since softer rubber is more vulnerable to damage. On terrible roads, this could even cause the tyres to burst. So, boost your tyre pressure by 3-5 psi during the summer and watch your tyres. As general car maintenance tips, remember to check the condition and air pressure of your vehicle's spare tyre, especially since it could be a lifesaver on a scorching summer day. Also, properly align and balance the tyres to avoid excessive tyre wear.

4. Get your Radiator Serviced, and Coolant Topped Up

Everyone and everything needs a steady supply of fluids in the summer months. A good quality coolant is one of the most important fluids for your car to get it through the heat. In fact, one of the most common causes of vehicles breaking down during summer is the engine overheating due to low coolant levels. Therefore it’s important to check the coolant level in your car and top it up if it’s low.

If your car is more than three years old, get the radiator serviced before the summer haze – and while you are at it, check for any leaks. Also, ensure you use the correct coolant. Using a cheaper one may seem like an attractive option, but it may prove to cause problems in the long run.

5. Battery Care

Moving forward in car care tips for summer, another important component of the car that can’t be overlooked. Excessive heat reduces battery life, causing the fluid to evaporate more quickly. It even accelerates the chemical reaction within a battery, resulting in overcharging. Get the battery tested to see if it is charging at the proper rate.

Check for corrosion on the battery terminals, verify they are dirt-free, and that all cable connections are secure. Most modern automobiles have zero-maintenance batteries; nevertheless, if your vehicle's battery requires regular distilled water top-ups, check fluid levels more frequently throughout the summer.

6. Check the Engine and Transmission Fluids

Heat causes you to burn through engine oil like it's going out of style. Nothing ruins engine oil faster, especially if your car's oil is already old and partially destroyed. So, regularly check your engine oil levels and replenish them with the appropriate oil. Alternatively, you might drain the engine oil and replace it with a more heat-resistant grade designed to maintain viscosity and decrease wear and tear under harsh running conditions. Also, check the fluid levels in the power steering, brake, and gearbox units, as these could be weak links.

7. Check Hoses and Belts

The last spot in our car care tips for summer is maintaining hoses and belts. The engine room of the car heats up as it is driven. Replacing parts once they have reached a certain amount of wear and tear is critical. Otherwise, they will be unable to survive the elevated working temperatures.

Parts of rubber compounds, such as hoses and belts, suffer the most. Once a rubber hose has hardened, it is only a matter of time before it ruptures. A physical examination is beneficial in this instance. Check all clamps and clips, and remember that a loose clamp could result from regular pressure buildup.

The Bottom Line

While there is no doubt that the summer can be harsh, running a few checks and remembering a few simple summer car care things to do, like parking car in the whenever possible, checking car tyre pressure, maintaining the battery, and checking the engine and transmission fluids, will ensure a long life for almost most parts and body of your car. Following the above-mentioned 7 car care tips for summer could save you a lot of money in the long run, as preventing a problem is much cheaper than fixing one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How to maintain a car in summer?

Ans. To maintain a car in summer focus on fluids (oil, coolant), tire pressure, and AC health. Regular check-ups and replacing worn hoses and belts can prevent breakdowns.

Q. How can I reduce the heat in my car in the summer?

Ans. To reduce the heat in your car in the summer, park your car in the shade, use sunshades and crack windows before AC. Keep your interior clean and consider window tinting for extra protection.

Q. Does car mileage decrease in summer?

Ans. Slightly! AC use and hot weather can impact car mileage efficiency.  However, regular maintenance and proper tyre pressure can help minimize the decrease.

Q. Can the sun damage my car?

Ans. Yes! Sun exposure fades paint and cracks interior components. Therefore, it’s best to park your car in the shade, use a car cover and invest in window shades for lasting protection.

Q. Does heat damage car paint?

Ans. Over time, yes. Intense heat can dull paint and accelerate fading. Proper washing, waxing, and parking in the shade can significantly reduce heat damage.

Q. How to make a car cool without AC?

Ans. You can make a car cool without AC by parking in the shade, cracking windows while driving (gradually), and using sunshades. Carry a cooling fan for extra relief.  For long-term solutions, consider window tinting or getting your AC serviced.