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Top tips for summer road trip preparation.

The higher temperatures that come with summer can wreak havoc on your car, both inside and outside. Let’s take a look at some of the checks that should be performed on your vehicle leading into summer.

1: Wiper blades

Your windscreen wiper blades suffer a lot of abuse through the seasons, being exposed to baking in the sun as well as freezing temperatures. Temperature changes combined with exposure to air can cause rubber wiper blades to become hard and brittle.

Depending on where you are in the country, summer rain can come at a moment’s notice and be much heavier than in the winter months. It’s absolutely vital that your vision while driving isn’t impeded by a smeary windscreen.

Simply pull your windscreen wipers up and inspect them to make sure there are no cracks and that the wipers are still soft. Hard and perished wipers will leave streaks on the windscreen and be unable to provide clear vision in rainy conditions.

Silicone wiper blades are generally more expensive and longer-lasting than rubber but some brands require a breaking-in process for the best results.

While replacing your windscreen wipers, ensure your windows are free of dirt and debris. Even a fine layer of dirt and road grime can turn into a mess when mixed with water. Chances are, even if your windscreen looks clean, it’s not.

Check your vehicle owner's manual for instructions on how to monitor and refill your windscreen washer fluid. In the event that you do have a smudgy windscreen from road grime, the only way to fix it while on the road is to add more water and dilute to mess until your wipers have a chance to clear it away.

2: Air conditioning

The air conditioning and climate control systems in cars work best if they are used all-year-around. When the system isn’t used for long periods of time, the seals will dry out and shrink, causing the refrigerant to leak and the system to be ineffective.

Even running the AC system for a few minutes a week is enough to keep things operating smoothly.

If your AC doesn’t blow ice cold, that most likely means the refrigerant has leaked out and the system will need to be checked by a qualified shop and regassed.

3: Tyres

Summer brings about a unique challenge for tyres. Sudden, heavy rain, combined with high temperatures and the increased likelihood of extra weight in the car means that more than ever, it’s important to ensure your tyres are in good condition.

The minimum tread depth in Australis is 1.5mm and fortunately, it’s easy to check your tread depth. You can use a ruler, a cheap gauge available at any tyre store, or come into your local Donnellans for a tyre inspection.

It’s worth noting that if you’re in an area that experiences very heavy rainfall, you might find your tyres will be more susceptible to aquaplaning at tread depths of 3mm or less. Tyres become more susceptible to punctures and damage when there is less tread depth available.

Managing tyre pressures is important in summer, or any time your vehicle is loaded up with extra weight. In summer, the temperature fluctuations from night and day, combined with driving on hot tarmac can see tyre pressures change by 10psi or more depending on the weight of the vehicle, tyre pressure and other factors.

Incorrect tyre pressures and overheated tyres are the number one reason for tyre blowouts. This risk can be minimised by checking your tyre pressures regularly. Once a fortnight, or before a long drive is ideal.

When checking your tyre air pressure, don’t forget the spare tyre. Often hidden away in, or under, the vehicle, spare tyres are often forgotten about until they’re needed.

4: Under the hood

Of course, it’s not just the exterior of the car that feels the summer heat. Engine compartment temperatures can skyrocket in summer. Items like accessory hoses and coolant hoses are under extra stresses from the temperature.

Before a trip away get your vehicle booked into Donnellans and get all the rubber hoses and cooling system inspected to ensure your vehicle can stay cool while towing, carrying heavy loads, all while the AC is blasting.

5: Other tips for a fun summer drive

If you’re planning on being in the car more than usual this summer, there are steps you can take to make your time more enjoyable and safer.

A high-quality ceramic-based window tint will stop most of the harmful UV light from entering the vehicle, keeping temperatures much lower than otherwise.

If you’re leaving your vehicle parked outside for a period of time, invest in a windscreen sun shield. In Australia, it is illegal to tint your front windscreen, but a sunshade will keep a majority of the heat out of the vehicle.

Instead of leaving the climate control on its ‘recirculate’ setting, be sure to draw in fresh air from outside periodically. This will help prevent driver fatigue when driving in hot weather.

Contact Donnellans today.

Donnellan’s the Tyremen have 5 convenient locations across the greater south-west Melbourne area.

If you’re looking to ensure your vehicle is ready for whatever summer plans you have to throw its way, come see the experts.

Contact us today