Preparing Your Car for Summer

Trips to the beach, lakeside camping, surfaris (surf safaris) with mates – summertime sees our cars getting a real workout. And just like the heat can take a toll on us with sunburn, dehydration and exhaustion, so too can it give vehicles a tough time.

So when you’re slapping on your sunscreen and topping up your water bottles, spare a thought for what you can do for your car to help see it through summer days unscathed. Here’s how to help your car cope.

Keep the (tyre) pressure down

The pressure inside your car tyres will increase as the outside temperature rises. On average, for every 10°C increase in temperature

, tyre pressure can increase by around 1–2 PSI. Most tyres are designed to withstand these fluctuations in pressure, but it’s worth keeping an eye on, especially given overinflated tyres are more prone to blowouts and reduced traction.

Next time you’re stopped at the servo, do a quick tyre-pressure check to make sure they’re not overheating.

Avoid heat damage to your paint job

We’ve been well trained to slip, slop and slap when it comes to protecting our skin from harmful UV rays, but we’re less aware of the impact they can have on our cars. Even with the protective coating most modern cars have, ultraviolet rays can break down the molecular structure of the paint, causing it to fade over time and making it more vulnerable to flaking, peeling and damage. In the hot summer months especially, be sure to:

• Wash your car regularly to remove dirt and debris, which can cause further oxidisation.
• Use paint sealants or ceramic coatings the way you use a broad-spectrum 50+ SPF protection on your skin. This will keep your car’s surface in good condition.
• Park your car in the shade and use a sunshade or car cover for extra sun protection.

Prioritise car battery care to prevent a meltdown

High temperatures can also impact the function of your car battery

by causing greater internal discharge, corroded plates, evaporation of water from the electrolyte and a damaging build-up of pressure. To keep your car battery from having a meltdown:

• Try an insulating cover.
• Check your battery regularly for leaks, cracks or other signs of damage.
• Get your battery and engine checked out before setting off on a long road trip.
• Park in the shade whenever possible.

Help your dashboard keep its cool

Heat can impact your car’s interior too, with the dashboard especially prone to cracking and fading. Keep it conditioned by:

• Investing in window tinting, which can help block UV rays.
• Using a sunshade over the windshield to keep the car cooler and stop the impact of direct sunlight on the interior.
• Clean your car regularly and use a conditioning protectant on the surfaces.
• You guessed it – park in the shade!

Regular maintenance of your car will help it look and feel cool over those blazing summer days. While a bit of fading or cracking might not seem like a big deal, it could end up costing a lot down the track. And failing to keep your engine and tyres happy over the summer can make a fun beach road trip turn into a potential mishap.

So next time you’re putting on your hat and sunscreen, take a moment to give your car some summer-loving too.

Disclaimer

Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.