When it comes to summer car care, many drivers simply swap the de-icer for the sponge and bucket. However, the higher temperatures and longer journeys can really take their toll in the long run if they go unchecked. There’s certainly a lot you can do to protect your car during summer adventures, so we’ve compiled a list of 8 of the best car care tips.
Car Care Tip #1 – Keep an eye on the fluid levels
During the summer months it’s important to monitor the fluid levels, as the heat causes liquid to evaporate more rapidly. For this reason, we recommend checking your oil, coolant and screen wash levels frequently if you’re planning a longer trip.
Car Care Tip #2 – Park in shaded areas
Not only is it extremely uncomfortable to get back into a hot car, but leaving your car in direct sunlight can also cause significant damage to the interior. The dash and leather upholstery are particularly vulnerable to fading and cracking as the temperature inside the car gets much higher than that outside. This is because the glass windows allow the heat from the sun to enter the car and heat up the solid objects inside, whilst simultaneously preventing it from escaping. The best way to reduce the temperature disparity is to simply park in shaded areas, such as under trees or parking canopies if available. Alternatively, you could invest in a reflective windscreen shield for use when shade is hard to find.
Car Care Tip #3 – Install a Travall Guard
If, like me, you look forward to taking advantage of the summer weather by going on trips away with friends and family the Travall Guard is the perfect accessory. The guard allows you to stack luggage above the parcel shelf and improves protection from loose objects. Furthermore, if you’re a dog owner and like to bring your furry friend along on your summer adventures, the guard prevents your dog from causing damage to the rear seats and interior.
What’s great about the Travall Guard is that it’s vehicle-specific, meaning you’re guaranteed a perfect, rattle-free fit without having to make any modifications to the vehicle. It’s also factory original quality, yet is available for around half the price of dealership offerings.
Car Care Tip #4 – Think about your clutch
As more and more people embark on their summer holidays, the roads inevitably become more congested. Unfortunately this means the chances of being stuck in stop-start traffic are greater, which can be hard on your clutch. There’s little you can do to avoid queues, but taking less congested routes can minimise clutch-related breakdowns. If you’re concerned about the condition of your clutch, always get it checked out by a qualified mechanic before undertaking longer journeys.
Car Care Tip #5 – Protect the exterior with Travall SillGuards and a Travall Protector
Another great way of protecting your car during summer adventures is with Travall’s range of exterior protection accessories. The Travall SillGuards protect against scratches and marks caused by passengers as they enter and exit the vehicle. Additionally, the Travall Protector does the same for the rear bumper while loading and unloading the boot. Taking measures to protect your paintwork can go a really long way in maintaining the resale value of your car and these great products can be installed in less than 10 minutes.
Car Care Tip #6 – Use wax polish
Continuing with the subject of paintwork, direct sunlight can cause paint to fade in the long-term. Using a wax polish after cleaning your car protects it from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Think of it as sun cream for your car!
Car Care Tip #7 – Protect the interior with Travall Mats and a Travall Liner
Another area to consider when protecting your car during summer adventures is the interior. As you enjoy the great outdoors, you’re likely to pick up plenty of dirt that could get inside your car. Travall Mats keep the footwells free from dirt and spills, whilst the Travall Liner protects the boot interior from all types of wear and tear. Both are uniquely contoured to fit your vehicle precisely and feature a raised outer lip to contain liquid and mud.
Car Care Tip #8 – Charge or replace the battery
The summer heat can cause the temperature in the engine bay to climb way above the ideal operating temperature. This heat can have undesirable effects on a car’s battery. As a result, we recommend you charge your battery before a long journey. If it’s older than 3 years, consider replacing it to avoid any unexpected breakdowns.
There you have it, 8 simple car care tips for protecting your car during summer adventures. We hope you’ll find some of these useful and can put them into practice to keep your car running smoothly.
