Seasonal Car Care: Preparing Your Vehicle for Summer Heat

Summer in India brings extreme heat that can take a toll on your vehicle. With temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C, your car's components face accelerated wear and potential damage. This comprehensive guide will walk you through essential summer car care tips to keep your vehicle running smoothly and protect it from heat-related damage.

1. Cooling System Maintenance

Your car's cooling system works overtime during summer months:

• Check coolant level and quality: Ensure proper 50:50 coolant-to-water ratio
• Inspect radiator and hoses: Look for cracks, leaks, or corrosion
• Test radiator cap: A faulty cap can lower boiling point
• Clean radiator fins: Remove debris blocking airflow

2. Battery Care in Extreme Heat

Heat accelerates battery fluid evaporation and corrosion:

• Clean battery terminals and cables
• Check electrolyte levels in non-sealed batteries
• Test battery charge and capacity
• Consider heat-resistant battery insulation

"A battery that works fine in winter may fail suddenly in summer heat. Get yours tested before peak temperatures arrive."

3. Tire Pressure and Care

Heat affects tire pressure and wear:

Temperature Change	PSI Change
10°C increase	1-2 PSI increase
Parked in direct sun	Additional 3-5 PSI

• Check pressure when tires are cold (morning)
• Follow manufacturer's recommended PSI
• Inspect for uneven wear and damage
• Rotate tires if needed

4. Interior Heat Protection

Protect your car's interior from sun damage:

• Use sunshades: Reduces interior temperature by up to 20°C
• Apply UV protectant: For dashboards, seats, and trim
• Consider window tinting: Legal limits apply
• Park in shade: Whenever possible

5. Fluid Checks and Changes

Essential fluids to monitor:

• Engine oil: Consider switching to summer-grade oil
• Transmission fluid: Check level and condition
• Brake fluid: Moisture absorption increases in humidity
• Washer fluid: Use summer formula with bug remover

6. Air Conditioning System Check

Ensure your AC is summer-ready:

• Test cooling performance
• Check for unusual odors
• Inspect compressor operation
• Clean or replace cabin air filter
• Consider professional recharge if needed

7. Emergency Summer Kit

Prepare for summer breakdowns:

• Extra coolant and distilled water
• Portable battery charger/jumper
• Emergency sunshade/reflector
• Extra bottles of drinking water
• First aid kit with heatstroke supplies

When to Seek Professional Help

Consider professional service if you notice:

• Temperature gauge consistently running high
• Weak or warm AC airflow
• Unusual engine noises in heat
• Electrical system malfunctions
• Persistent warning lights

Conclusion

Summer heat can be brutal on your vehicle, but with proper preparation and maintenance, you can prevent most heat-related problems. These proactive measures will help keep your car running smoothly all season long. For comprehensive summer preparation, consider our Car18 Deep Clean service which includes interior UV protection and cooling system checks.