Summer is a harsh time in India and most of us do not really know how to handle the heat. Summer is here again and according to weather experts, it is going to be a long and dusty ride ahead! If you are a car lover, you should know that hot summers and temperature changes affect your beloved vehicle too. There are some simple tips that will help you keep your car cool and in mint condition this summer. Follow these tips and brace for summer without any hassles!

Regular care is very important for your car at this time. Firstly, you should always endeavor to change the oil at regular intervals. This will keep your car engine running nicely and keep your engine free from metal debris and other carbon parts which accumulate with the passage of time. Oil is the basic lubricant for the engine and its internal components. Viscosity of engine oil is also lost owing to high temperatures and this necessitates oil replacements after 5, 000 kilometers are covered every time. Replace the oil before summer kicks off in full swing and combat the possibilities of engine damages and problems. Air conditioners are not used for a large part of the year in most parts of India. This can be an area of concern.

Get your air conditioning unit serviced comprehensively before the heat starts increasing. In case of optimal performance of the car air conditioner, the vent temperature should be between nine to ten degrees Celsius. If this is not the case, get your car to a service center with alacrity. Possible problems include a faulty or dead compressor which can be expensive to replace and low refrigerant levels. There are special tools and equipment kept at authorized service centers and approximate servicing costs hover around the INR 1200 mark. However, component or compressor replacements can be very costly at times!

Proper parking will also determine how cool your car is this summer. You should always park your car under a shade. Always try to park in this manner in the summer. Otherwise, you will have to contend with a steaming car cabin and damages to the car body in terms of fading paint. Always have a cover for your car when it is kept idle for long periods. Do not clutter your car cabin with unnecessary items and other junk. They will bring down the performance levels of the air conditioner owing to heat retention. Always have a little towel placed over the steering wheel which keeps it cool and helps you avoid burning your hands while driving. The car engine will feel the heat at some point of time. You should keep the engine cooling unit working without any problems.

You should ensure that the car radiator is clean and free from any dirt, debris, grime or other muck. This will automatically enhance the flow of air and influence heat exchanges. Often, debris start accumulating within the car cooling system and the radiator should thus be flushed out at least once every year. Once these debris add up, they will only lead to frequent blockages and severe engine problems. You should always replenish the car coolant without any delay. Always use your manufacturer’s recommendations and car manual with regard to determining the water and coolant mixture that you should be using. The standard ratio is 50:50 in most cases.

There are various special service and maintenance camps organized by car manufacturers and brands. These activities are a great way to keep your car in top shape this season. Get hold of passes to these events and register yourself without any delays. These camps and service sessions usually witness loads of freebies and other advantages being offered to car owners. These may include free servicing on some car components, free inspection of the car, service charge discounts, component price discounts and so on. However, these events may draw crowds and this might be a probable deterrent. Otherwise, this is a great way to get your car ready for the hot summer ahead. You should always check the viscosity rating of the oil that you use. This should be strictly according to the recommendations of the manufacturer.

Synthetic engine oil will always provide better performance at a higher price as compared to standard car oil. However, you need to be sure whether you are willing to bear the high expenses involved in purchasing synthetic oil. However, the viscosity rating requirements should be followed immaculately to keep your car in good condition in the summer. Always roll your car windows downwards and allow hot air inside your cabin to escape before you switch on the air conditioner. This will help you save on fuel and bolster the performance of your air conditioner.

If you are taking a road trip this summer, you should especially be alert and follow the tips and strategies mentioned above. These tips will help you steer clear of trouble in summer. You can use sun films if you are bothered by the excessive heat but only opt for this step if it is in line with law and automobile rules in your city. Do not prise the radiator cap open all of a sudden for flushing the same. The engine needs a little time to cool off and if you are not too careful, the hot fluid inside can lead to skin damages! Also check the fan belts and all the other belts present in the vehicle for performance. They are responsible for smooth functioning of the air conditioning and cooling system of the car.

As a result, any irregularities in this case will lead to improper cooling and this will affect you hugely in summer. Also check for the tread depth of your car tires. This is because higher temperatures might be catastrophic for car tires if they are not in good shape. This is one of the major reasons for accidents and you should be watchful in this regard. Help your car stay cool this summer with the above mentioned tips!