Summer’s here, and that means longer drives, hotter days, and one thing many drivers overlook—how the heat affects your vehicle.
Whether you're heading out for a road trip or just trying to keep your car running smoothly in the city, a simple DIY check-up can save you from a breakdown—or even a big repair bill. Here’s a straightforward, owner-friendly guide to get your vehicle summer-ready.
🔧 1. Tyres: Pressure and Age Matter More Than You Think
Hot pavement and high temps can mess with your tyres more than you'd expect. Rubber naturally expands in heat, and your tyre pressure can creep up fast.
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Recommended pressures? In winter, 2.5 bar (36 psi) is common. But for summer, drop it slightly to around 2.3 bar (33 psi) to give the tyres a bit more flex and reduce blowout risk.
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What to look for: Cracks, dryness, or bulges on the sidewall mean the rubber is ageing. Sun exposure speeds up wear—so if your tyres are over 3–4 years old, give them a good look-over or ask a shop for a quick check.
💡 Practical Tip: If you haven’t checked your spare tyre in a while, now’s the time. No one wants to discover a flat spare during a roadside emergency.
🌊 2. Cooling System: Keep That Engine Happy
Overheating is one of the top reasons engines fail in summer—and most of the time, it's preventable.
Start by checking your coolant level (aka antifreeze):
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Too low? Top it up with the correct mix for your engine.
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Keeps dropping? That’s a red flag. It could mean a leak somewhere in the cooling system—get it checked by a pro before it gets worse.
💡 Experience Suggestion: After topping up coolant, mark the level with a marker and check again after a few days. If it dips again, you’ll know something’s off.
❄️ 3. Air Conditioning: Don’t Wait for the Heatwave
If your A/C isn’t blowing cold like it used to, it’s probably not just your imagination.
Here’s what to inspect:
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Condenser blockages: Look through the grille—see any plastic bags, leaves, or bug buildup? That’s your cooling airflow getting choked. A proper condenser clean (with a dedicated cleaner) can work wonders.
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Filter and fan: A dirty cabin air filter or clogged blower fan can reduce airflow and strain the system. Replace filters or clean them if needed.
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Low refrigerant (aka gas or Freon): If it’s just not getting cold enough, you might be low on gas. Time for a top-up or professional test.
💡 Practical Tip: Run the A/C on max with recirculation and see how quickly it cools the cabin. A weak response might mean it's time for a deeper system clean or recharge.
🔥 4. Remove Explosive Hazards from Your Cabin
It sounds dramatic—but every year, cars catch fire from simple, overlooked items left behind during summer.
What not to leave in your car:
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Aerosol cans (deodorant, air fresheners)
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Lighters or matches
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Power banks or lithium battery chargers
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Perfume bottles (pressurised + alcohol-based = risky)
💡 Experience Suggestion: A clean dashboard and centre console not only looks tidy—it could literally prevent an explosion on a hot day.
🌧️ 5. Drainage Systems: Don't Let Water Sneak In
With summer comes storms, and blocked drainage = water inside your car.
Here’s what to check:
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Sunroof drains: Use a soft brush or compressed air to clear debris around the drain holes.
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A/C drain pipe: Turn the A/C to the coldest setting, then check under the front passenger area for dripping water. No drip = blocked outlet, and that can lead to water soaking into your carpet.
💡 Practical Tip: If the floor is damp or musty after rain, check the footwells—moisture here often means blocked sunroof or evaporator drains.
⚡ 6. Custom Wiring: Summer Fire Risk You Didn’t Think About
Got aftermarket accessories? (Think dash cams, upgraded lights, sound systems?) These often use additional wiring, and when done improperly, they’re a hidden fire hazard in high heat.
Here’s what to check:
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Are the wires secured or dangling?
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Any signs of melted insulation, exposed copper, or a “burnt” smell?
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Are there too many connections drawing power from the same source?
💡 Experience Suggestion: Run your hand along visible wires—if they feel warm or brittle, they may need replacement or rerouting.
✅ Final Thoughts
A little prep before summer can go a long way in keeping your car—and your family—safe on the road. Most of these checks take under 30 minutes and don’t require any fancy tools.
This guide is brought to you by KakaAutoParts.com.au.
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