Two Steps to Take to Prepare Your Vehicle for the Warmer Months

Posted on

Before the warmer months arrive, it's a good idea to ensure that your vehicle is prepared for the higher temperatures and strong sunlight. Here are two ways to do this.

Check the air conditioning system

A functioning air conditioning system is crucial if you intend to drive your car regularly during the warmer seasons. It's particularly important if your passengers will include your young children or elderly relatives, as these groups of people tend to be more susceptible to heat stroke and dehydration when travelling in extremely warm vehicles. A working air conditioner is also important for you, as feeling overheated and lightheaded may affect your ability to operate your car safely.

To check the system, switch it on and allow it to run for several minutes. If you notice that it seems to be noisier than usual or that the temperatures inside the car have not dropped quite as much as they should (some vehicles have a temperature gauge on the dashboard which will allow you to check this), then this might mean that the compressor (the component which helps to pump the refrigerant around the air conditioning system) is not working as it should be. In this situation, you may need to either have the compressor replaced or repaired, depending on how damaged it is. Seek out a mechanic who specialises in air conditioner repair to perform this task for you.

Update your vehicle's emergency breakdown kit

Whilst you might not like to think about the possibility of your vehicle breaking down, it's important to keep some items in your car to ensure that you can handle this type of situation and stay safe until you are rescued. Before the warmer weather appears, you should update your emergency breakdown kit so that you have everything you might need if you happen to experience car trouble during the spring or summer months.

In addition to all of the usual essentials (such as a warning triangle, a torch, and an empty fuel can), your warm-weather kit should include plenty of bottled water (to prevent dehydration if you get stranded in an isolated area on a very hot day). The kit should also contain a bottle of sunscreen as well as a large golf umbrella to provide you and your passengers with protection from the heat of the sun if you have to wait a few hours for the breakdown assistance truck to arrive.


Share