As summer draws to a close, car maintenance is hardly a priority for many drivers. However, this is probably the most appropriate time to carefully assess how the car has held up during several much more intense months of travel. LLLParts specialists note that it is worth performing car maintenance before the start of the rainier, much cooler autumn season to avoid unnecessary problems in the future.
Summer leaves inevitable marks on the cooling system
On the hottest summer days, the cooling system has to work much more than usual. This is especially noticeable for those cars that spend more time in traffic jams. However, the car does not receive the same airflow as when driving at higher speeds, so the cooling fan has to work harder. It is also worth noting that a small fluid leak can also become much more noticeable in such conditions.
So, at the end of summer, it is worth checking the coolant level and inspecting the system for possible leaks. However, simply inspecting the expansion tank is definitely not enough. Wet marks at hose connections or dried coolant deposits can clearly indicate where the system is gradually losing its tightness. According to LLLParts specialists, a small decrease in coolant volume should not be compensated for simply by periodically topping it up. In a well-maintained closed system, the liquid should not constantly disappear, so its recurring shortage has a reason that should be found and the problem eliminated.
Daniel Ingold / Avalon
Tyres can tell more about the car than many people think
After several thousand kilometres travelled in the summer, it is worth looking not only at the remaining tread depth. It is important how the tyres themselves are worn. For example, a significantly more worn inner edge of one tyre can signal problems with the wheel geometry or other parts of the car. If both edges of the tyre are worn, it is worth checking the tyre pressure. Such changes occur gradually, so the driver gets used to them and, unfortunately, may not even notice the difference.
There is another feature of summer. The pressure that was appropriate on a hot July day may be lower when the weather cools down. For this reason, LLLParts experts recommend checking the pressure according to the manufacturer’s specifications when the tyres are cold. Drivers can usually do this at almost any gas station. If the tyres are worn out, it is worth not only replacing them with new ones, but also eliminating the wheel geometry problems that cause this tendency.
Don’t wait for the first cold day
The battery is usually remembered in winter, when one morning the car fails to start. However, high summer temperatures also accelerate its ageing processes. A weaker battery can still function in August without any clear symptoms, and when the weather cools down, the situation often inevitably changes.
LLLParts specialists recommend using the end of summer for simple prevention. If you notice fluid leaks, unevenly worn tyres, or other changes, you should not leave them until the seasonal tyre change. A minor malfunction today may not persist in a few months, and high-quality, genuine car parts let you replace worn components before the more difficult autumn and winter operating conditions begin.
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