Summer Vehicle Maintenance Checklist: Keep Your Car in Top Shape

While the summertime feels like the best time to be getting out on a four-wheeled adventure, it also presents an opportunity to give your car a good check-over. However, if you’re thinking about changing your car entirely, then we’ve got plenty of options here at Eden, covering both new and used vehicles - so there’s something for all budgets.

Whether you’re heading out on a long-distance trip or something a little closer to home, keeping your car in good condition should always be a priority. Let’s take a look at some of the best bits to check over.

Tyres

Tyres are one of the most important components of your entire car. They’re the only point of contact between the vehicle and the road, of course, which is why looking after them should be at the top of your list of priorities. Check over their general condition and look out for any cuts or bulges. If you find some, replace the affected tyre right away - they could easily lead to a blow-out.

Make sure that they’re inflated to the correct pressures, too, and you can find these in the vehicle handbook or sometimes on a sticker inside the driver’s door. Make sure that the tread depth is correct, too; the UK’s legal minimum is 1.6mm, so check them using a gauge or ask a professional to do this for you. Don’t forget to check over your spare tyre if your car has one, too.

Fluids

Your car won’t be going far for long without the right amount of fluids on board. Check your car’s oil using the dipstick, removing it, cleaning it offer and then replacing it into the engine before re-checking. Add more oil in steady increments - and always use the correct oil for your car. Again, this will be in the vehicle handbook.

Make sure your car isn’t running low on coolant, too. This is how your car is able to maintain a steady temperature, and running low on it could result in your car overheating. Check the coolant reservoir and top it up with coolant if it’s lower than the gauge.

Windscreen

Summer provides a great opportunity to check over your windscreen. During other parts of the year, your windscreen takes a beating, with stones and grit playing havoc with it. So during summer, look out for any chips or cracks which may have developed over time. If they’re large, your windscreen may need replacing, though some specialists can spot-fix smaller chips to stop them from worsening.

If your windscreen is littered with insects, then use a dedicated cleaner to wipe them away easily. While you’re there, check over your car’s wipers. If they’re cracked or squeaking when used, then they’re worth replacing, and the good news is that swapping them out is easy - though many motor part retailers will be able to do this for you if you’re unsure.

Lights

Even though the summertime is brighter, you still need to make sure that your lights are working as they should. Once it’s dark, check that all of your lights are operating properly - it could be worth asking a friend to help you out here so that they can watch the car while you switch the lights on and off. Replace any blown bulbs or, again, ask a professional to do this if you’d like some help.

Brakes

You’re going to want brakes which perform well. After all, a car that doesn’t slow down could end up being very dangerous. So make sure that your brake pedal feels solid; if it’s ‘soft’ or travels too far down when pressed, you may need to top the car up with brake fluid. This is something that might be best done by a professional if you’re unsure, as the brakes may need further attention.

Even a few small checks can help to make your car safer and more efficient this summer. But if you’d rather swap into a new car, then check out Eden’s range of both pre-owned and brand-new vehicles today.