KEEP YOUR VEHICLE SAFE, DEPENDABLE AND ON THE ROAD LONGER.
A Checklist for spring Car Care Month in October – getting ready for those hot summer months.
The last thing any driver needs is a vehicle that breaks down in summer during extremely hot days. FJ Manning recommends that car owners follow its “Spring Car Care Month” checklist and inspect their vehicles before the temperatures rise and severe weather hits.
Aircon, Wipers & Lights
- Consider wiper blades these perish under the hot summer sun, and it is recommended to have them replaced every six months, or as soon as they start to wear (streaking, making noise).
- Check to see that all exterior and interior lights work and headlights are properly aimed.
- Ensure that you have your aircon checked before the hot months hit. FJ Manning can check this with a free safety check. Please see us immediately if its no longer blowing cold, or is making a noise and we will be able to ensure that your aircon is running at its absolute best.
Tyres & Brakes
- Check the tyre tread depth and tire pressure of all tires, including the spare.
- During summer, tyre pressure should be checked fortnightly.
- Have the brakes checked. The braking system is the vehicle’s most important safety item.
Petrol, Oil & Filters
- Keep your petrol tank at least half full throughout the warmer weather to prevent condensation build up, which can cause major issues for your car.
- Be diligent about changing the oil and filter at recommended intervals. Dirty oil can spell trouble in summer. Excessive heat can cause acid build ups in the oil.
- Check the fuel, air and transmission filters at the same time.
System Checks – Charging, Cooling & Exhaust
- Have the battery and charging system checked, as warm weather is hard on batteries. Excessive heat can cause batteries to fail.
- Clean, flush and put new antifreeze in the cooling system. As a rule of thumb, this should be done every two years.
- Have the exhaust system checked for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be especially dangerous during hot weather driving when windows are closed.
Pack the Essentials
- Stock an emergency kit with jumper cables, a flashlight, extra clothes, bottled water, non-perishable food and a first aid kit with any needed medication.
Summer magnifies existing problems like hard starts, sluggish performance and rough idling, so a little car care now is a sensible way to avoid being stranded out in the hot weather later. Whether you perform the inspection and maintenance yourself or come and see us here at FJ Manning, it’s a small investment of time and money to help avoid the cost and the hassle of a breakdown during the hot summer months ahead.