India is facing extreme summer heat, with temperatures touching 45°C in many cities. This scorching weather not only affects people but also puts extra pressure on your car’s engine, battery, tyres, and air conditioner. Continuous exposure to strong sunlight can lead to overheating, battery issues, tyre damage, and sudden breakdowns in the middle of the road. To keep your car running smoothly during summer, it is important to follow some basic maintenance tips and precautions. Regularly checking the battery, coolant, tyre pressure, and AC performance can help prevent major problems. Proper summer car care also improves safety, performance, and driving comfort during long journeys.
Things to Remember
- Your car’s AC is the biggest relief during extreme summer heat, so keeping it in good condition is very important. Regularly check the AC gas (refrigerant) and compressor belt for proper cooling performance.
- If the cooling feels weak, the cabin air filter may be blocked. Experts recommend replacing the air filter once every year for better airflow and cooling.
- Even during cooler weather, run the AC for at least 5-10 minutes every two weeks. This keeps the compressor oil circulating properly and helps prevent leakage issues.
- According to Autocar reports, professional AC servicing should be done every 2 years or after 30,000 km.
- Temperatures above 30°C can dry out the chemicals inside a car battery, causing corrosion and reducing battery life faster than normal.
- If your battery is more than 3 years old, get a voltage test done by a mechanic. A healthy battery should show a reading between 12.6V and 12.8V.
- Regularly clean the battery terminals to remove rust and corrosion, as dirt buildup can affect battery performance and starting power.
- Apply petroleum jelly or Vaseline on the terminals after cleaning to protect them from further corrosion during extreme heat.
- Always keep jumper cables or a portable jump-starter in your car for emergencies.
- Coolant is very important for keeping the engine cool during extreme summer heat. Never use tap or mineral water in the coolant tank, as minerals can form deposits in the engine. Always use distilled water and replace the coolant immediately if it looks dirty.
- Engine oil becomes thinner quickly in very hot weather, which can affect engine performance. Experts recommend changing the engine oil every year or after 10,000 km. Also, check the oil level every week.
- Brake oil absorbs moisture during summer, which can reduce braking performance. If the brake oil is over 2 years old, replace it and also inspect the brake pads properly.
