Essential summer vehicle checks for the change of season

WITH warmer temperatures setting in, there are a few things to check and do to your vehicle, to smooth the transition between the seasons.

The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says for some owners this is just a customary check; other drivers may find themselves needing to catch up on maintenance.

“Ideally, regular car maintenance should mean the demands caused by change of seasons on your vehicle – and consequently your wallet – are minimal."

MasterDrive suggests these five important checks.

Fluids:

Warmer weather can cause engine fluids to thin, even evaporate, so before it gets too warm check coolant levels and avoid using water instead of the coolant most vehicles require.

Brakes:

Winter weather can affect braking performance.

Pay extra attention to how responsive your vehicle is when you brake.

Listen for squealing or growling and test your brakes somewhere safe to see if the car pulls left or right.

Either means a trip to a specialist.

Wipers and filters:

Winter can be harsh on rubber windshield wipers while the coming rain in summer places more demand on wipers.

Therefore check that your wipers are in perfect condition before the big rain falls.

Spring, on the other hand, is harsh on air filters.

Generally, filters should be checked at the end of every season and be replaced at least once a year.

Tyres:

Changes in air temperature affects tyre pressure.

For every 10°C drop in winter, your tyre pressure also decreases.

So, double check for under-inflation now that the days are warming up.

Aircon:

Chances are you didn't use your car's aircon much during the winter months, so check that it's still working as you enter summer.

Vehicles with warm interiors can cause driver fatigue through dehydration and even cause you to use more petrol if you need to drive with your windows open.

Whether you’re eagerly anticipating or dreading warmer weather remember that summer can have an effect on your vehicle too.

“Even if you’re fastidious with maintenance take a few minutes to do these vital checks to ensure your vehicle is fully prepared for a warm African summer," says MasterDrive.