Breakdown warning issued as drivers told five ways to avoid them this summer
From checking tyres to inspecting your breaks to keeping you moving this summer season, the list has it all.
A car expert has suggested five ways for the drivers to avoid breaking down this summer season. Changes in weather conditions can bring underlying car issues to light.
To ensure your vehicle is ready for any weather, it is crucial to perform regular maintenance checks.
Specialist insurance broker ChoiceQuote, a Gallagher company, has compiled some essential car maintenance tips to help avoid breakdowns.
From checking tyres to inspecting your breaks to keeping you moving this summer season, the list has it all.
Check your tyres
Friction on the roads causes a build-up of heat within your tyres which makes the air expand. This means that with the increased temperature of the roads in the summer months, the pressure inside your tyres will increase faster than usual which can cause a blowout. To prevent this, ensure to check your tyre pressure frequently.
It is recommended that you check your tyre pressure weekly. To do this at home drivers need to use a calibrated pressure gauge. Then, when the tyres are cold to provide an accurate reading, remove the valve cap and insert the gauge onto the valve and push.
Finally check the reading and compare it to the recommended pressure for your vehicle and repeat this process for all four tyres.
If one tyre has a significantly lower pressure than the others when frequently checked, this may indicate a slow puncture which will need fixing or replacing. If drivers are unsure, it is best to visit your local garage to avoid any damage to your vehicle.
Check your air conditioning system
Not only will a faulty air conditioning system create an uncomfortable journey for both you and your passengers, but it also puts increased strain on your engine which can cause it to overheat.
Air conditioning systems that have not been used for a few months can have the tendency to develop mould or cracked seals.
Ways to check that your air con is working is to start the engine and turn the air con up to the max, making sure the fan is on its highest setting.
Examine to see if there are any odd noises or if there is an unusual smell, these indicate that your air conditioning may need to be checked by a garage.
Keep your engine hydrated
Ensure to check your engine coolant levels prior to setting off on your journey as it plays a vital role in regulating the temperature of your engine, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Having too little coolant in your engine can cause it to overheat.
To check your coolant levels, open the hood and locate the reservoir.
There will be min and max levels on the tank which can help you identify if you need to fill it up. Remember to fill it up before your journey or when your engine is completely cool.
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Inspect your breaks
The combination of friction and heat can cause your vehicle’s breaks to wear faster than usual.
Car breaks are essential to vehicle, so it is important that they are regularly checked and maintained as needed especially in the summer months.
Check your clutch
Warm weather can cause your clutch to wear down faster than it usually would. Driving with a failed clutch can be very dangerous and can cause further damage to your vehicle.
The main indicators that your clutch is beginning to fail is it beginning to “slip”, causing a brief loss of acceleration.
If this happens, make note of any failure symptoms, and take your vehicle to your local garage to get it checked.
