Summer is just around the corner, and the warm season is about to arrive in Quebec. It’s the perfect opportunity to barbecue, go for a bike ride or just get some fresh air. But it’s also a particularly hazardous time of year on the roads. Whether it’s because of heavy traffic during the holiday period or the effect of heat on the mechanics of your car, it is well known that summer brings its share of problems. It is not only in winter that you have to be careful! To help you have the best summer possible, and hopefully, without a visit to the garage, we’ve listed four of the most common summer problems. By knowing how to deal with these glitches that can happen to you while driving, you can be in full control this summer.
Broken air conditioning
Nothing feels better in the middle of a heatwave than to feel the cool breeze from our car’s air conditioning. Although not dangerous under normal circumstances, a break at this level during the summer months can be more than a little uncomfortable! Because the sun’s heat is amplified by the glass interior, the temperature inside can quickly rise to the point of posing a health risk to passengers. Since the air conditioning system works double time during the summer, it is particularly fragile during this period. It is, therefore, essential to regularly check the level of refrigerant and the general condition of your electrical system. If you notice a problem, it is crucial to have it repaired as soon as possible by your mechanical expert. Only they are equipped to treat coolant safely!
A weak battery
We often hear about the risks of winter on our battery, but did you know those warm temperatures can also damage it? In addition to increasing user demand, for example, because of air conditioning, the liquid inside the battery is also at risk of evaporating under the effect of heat. To prevent damage and unpleasant surprises, be sure to inspect the various parts of your battery. A single breakage can cause power transmission problems for the entire battery. Also, pay attention when starting your car. If you find it takes a fair bit longer than usual, it may be time to go to your garage to check your battery.
A funny smell
Swimming pools, pets and sometimes even children can cause a lot of odours, especially in the confined interior of a car. After a family swim or a visit to the dog park, you may find that your vehicle has taken on a slightly unpleasant odour. If this is the case, don’t panic! Often, merely airing the interior of the car by opening the windows for a few hours is enough. If you are faced with a more persistent smell of moisture, there are several natural and easy solutions available to you. The simplest is to sprinkle your seats and carpets with baking soda, let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum up the powder. If it persists, a small jar of ground coffee in the cup holder will absorb what’s left!
Weakened tires
The outside temperature plays an essential role in maintaining tire pressure. The more it varies, the more tires will tend to lose pressure. On the contrary, if it stays too hot, the air will expand, and the pressure will be too high. The combination of long periods of heat with cold nights makes summer a particularly prone season for tire problems. Especially before a holiday or a longer journey, it, therefore, becomes even more important to check your tyre pressure regularly. Before, after and during the trip, it is even more important to carry out a thorough inspection of your wheels during the summer months.
Now that you know how to prevent these common problems, you are equipped to conquer the roads during the summer season! By taking good care of your car’s mechanics, you will be able to enjoy your vacation with peace of mind… and without any surprise bills!
