Column: End of Summer Maintenance Tips

September 16, 2014

Krishna-King-2Summer is the season when we usually drive our cars the most. With all the barbecues, beach parties, events and functions our cars are put through the ringer. And if you don’t get routine services, the hot summer will take a toll on your vehicle.

Before the temperature starts to drop and the weather changes, now is the perfect time to consider end of summer car maintenance. Be proactive by getting your car looked at, especially after months of hot, humid weather, which can cause various part to deteriorate faster if not checked. You [and your car] will be so happy you did.

Here are five things you should get checked before the weather cools down.

1] Oil Changes and Oil Quality:

The hot summer season really takes a toll on our vehicle’s oil quality. The hot weather coupled with high humidity can make engine oil expire faster. The most important thing to do at the end of summer is an oil change. You should also check your oil routinely so that there are no surprises and high repair costs. If you don’t change your oil regularly, it will become thick and clumpy, which could cause your engine to seize. Your mechanic will do this for you when you get your car serviced.

2] Tyre Check

You should check your vehicle’s tires on a monthly basis, but at the end of summer, a more thorough examination is needed. Before the cooler weather comes, it is wise to examine your tyres for wear and tear as well as overall remaining tread depth.

If you have driven more over the summer, as most of us do, your tyres may be worn down. Bermuda is known for its rough driving conditions – many hills, stop and go driving style and low speeds. Take a look at your tyres now to determine if new tyres may needed. Your mechanic can check to see if you need new tyres if you aren’t sure.

3] Wiper Blades

Wiper blades in Bermuda don’t last as long as we would like them to because of salt spray, which leads to rust. Take a look at your wipers now to make sure they are in good shape. If they are cracking, feel tacky or just not performing the way they used to, consider having them replaced before you are caught driving in pouring rain with wiper blades that cannot help you.

4] Coolant System

Just like engine oil, your vehicle’s engine coolant has been through a lot over the summer months. All summer your coolant has kept your engine at normal operating temperatures, even amidst extreme heat and humidity. Now is a great time to have your coolant system inspected and possibly even flushed.

Engine coolant not only keeps our engine from overhearing, it also collects heat that is then transferred to our vehicle’s passenger cabin heating systems in the colder months. Having clean engine coolant in your vehicle well help this system perform optimally.

5] Fuel System Clean

It is the same story with your fuel system – the summer heat and humidity has made your fuel system dirty. The fuel filter keeps contaminants out of your vehicle’s engine. Fuel filters need to be changed regularly because dirt and particles get in, for example rust in the fuel tank or debris from the normal deterioration of the fuel line. Because Bermuda has high humidity, especially in the summer, it’s important to change your fuel filters at the end of the summer to make sure the humidity doesn’t push moisture inside.

The end of summer is a very busy time for most of us, with the kids back in school and getting back into a regular routine. Consider taking your car to a professional mechanic so they can take one thing off your plate. We all know that regular car maintenance is important for keeping your car in top condition, so consider doing it now that the end of summer is here to save you money down the road.

Krishna King [pictured] has more than 20 years’ experience in the automotive industry, and chairs the Automotive Occupational Advisory Committee for the National Training Board. For more information on automobile maintenance, contact Krishna King at Bermuda Motors: 292-0893 or KKing@bermudamotors.bm. For more information visit Website.

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  1. angie says:

    Very informative.