HOT WHEELS - HOT WEATHER

The weather is hot and the schools are almost out. We are all loving this lovely hot weather but is it the same for your car? Hot wheels and high temperatures can really take their toll on your car.

Do you want to know what problems your car may encounter and how can you overcome them? Read on…

Normally, when it comes to our car tyres we are concerned with avoiding sharp objects on the road, potholes and punctures. However, hot wheels and warm weather can together cause problems. One issue is that the hot temperatures can increase the pressure in your tyres leading to tyre expansion or over-inflation and nobody wants their tyre to go POP!   Another concern is higher stress levels in your tyre tracks, creating bubbles in your tyres. These problems can lead to a blow-out whilst you are driving and be a massive safety issue. If your tyre pressure is not right the heat will cause extra havoc with your drive.

So, during a heat wave make sure that you remember to get your tyres checked or if your car is in for its annual service then we most certainly make sure that you get your tyres checked as part of it!

To be safe you want to be certain that they are inflated to the correct pressure and that the tread depth is within the legal limits - any signs of wear and tear are best to be checked over by an expert eye. If you are near Ellesmere please do pop in, or give us a call - we are always happy to help you with your car or tyres. 

Smelly Air Conditioning

Because it is hot we obviously use our air conditioning far more. Furthermore, for it to produce the cold air we need, our air conditioning systems have to work a lot harder in the high heat. So, it is only natural that these may overheat, have old and broken filters or need a recharge. A quick check with any decent garage offering air conditioning servicing will soon fix your smelly air, or warm air problems - or just all in! 

Reduced car battery life The sun may recharge our human happiness batteries but it can cause your car’s battery fluid to evaporate! If your battery appears to be losing charge quickly then this might be the cause. To help maintain the health of your car battery try to ensure that it is kept clean, corrosion-free and as cool as possible.

Transmission failure The transmission is one of the most important factors to the car. It comes under massive pressure during the summer heat and can be prone to failure if it isn’t properly managed and maintained. Really, you want to be scheduling regular transmission maintenance at least once a year. Don’t forget to include fluid and filter changes each year. A good annual car service should take care of this. 

Belts, hoses & cooling systems Long periods of high heat can have an effect on the hoses and belts that help to maintain your car’s operational temperature. Usually, a simple visual check can keep an eye on any areas of damage around these connectors and clamps. Essentially you want to ensure that all the fluids (oils and coolants) are freely flowing to maintain the performance of your car or van. It is clever to have your cooling system pressure tested for leaks, then flushed and filled on a regular basis.

In summary, summer is here and it’s amazing. But with school holidays, hotter roads and hot wheels we need to more certain than ever that our cars are safe. Make sure you check yours before any big journeys!

If you have any queries or problems we are always happy to help.

Richards Auto Services 01691 622421