Australian summers regularly push past 35 degrees, and your car feels every bit of it. From overheating engines to failing air conditioning, the heat takes a serious toll on vehicles that are not properly prepared.
Check Your Cooling System
Your engine coolant prevents overheating. Before summer hits, make sure your coolant is at the right level and has not degraded. Old coolant loses its effectiveness and can lead to engine damage. A cooling system flush every two years is a smart investment.
Test Your Air Conditioning
There is nothing worse than a broken AC during a 40-degree day. If your air con is blowing warm or takes ages to cool down, the refrigerant may be low or the compressor could be failing. Get it checked before you really need it.
Inspect Your Battery
Heat kills car batteries faster than cold. High temperatures accelerate chemical degradation inside the battery. If your battery is over 3 years old, get it tested. A simple test can tell you if it is likely to fail in the coming months.
Check Your Tyres
Hot bitumen and under-inflated tyres are a dangerous combination. Heat causes air to expand, so check your tyre pressures in the morning when they are cool. Also look for cracks in the sidewalls — heat accelerates rubber deterioration.
Top Up Your Fluids
Engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid all work harder in extreme heat. Check levels and top up as needed. Thin or degraded fluids cannot protect your engine components properly.
Protect Your Interior
Use a windscreen sunshade, park in the shade when possible, and consider window tinting if you have not already. Dashboard temperatures can exceed 70 degrees in direct sun, cracking plastics and fading surfaces over time.
Keep an Emergency Kit
Summer breakdowns in the heat can be dangerous. Keep water, a phone charger, jumper leads, and a basic first aid kit in your boot. If you break down on a hot day, stay with your car and call for help.
Want peace of mind before summer hits? Book a summer health check at Heatherdale Automotive and we will make sure your car is ready for whatever Melbourne throws at it.