Prepping your car for the summer of 2020

MANILA: As much as everyone is enjoying this cool February weather, which PAGASA says will last until the end of March because of the northeast monsoon, it’s a smart idea to already begin summer-proofing before the heat starts to melt the smiles from our faces.

Don’t think for a second that it’s going to be an easy, or quick fix. A lot of things need to be tended and mended – from what’s hot under the hood to what’s keeping you cool in the cabin.

Last year’s heat index in Metro Manila reached a high of 39°C when the mercury peaked at 36.6°C on April 21, 2019. Only God knows how hot it’s going to be this year so don’t get caught in the middle of it in a broken-down car or worse, with a blower that’s masquerading as a poor excuse for an air-conditioning (AC) system.

Erring on the side of safety, especially if you do long drives (or have several coming up in the summer), look after these key components before summer kicks in.

The essentials

Check your engine’s cooling system. That means the radiator and the hoses, and tubes leading to and from it. Any small fissure or even the tiniest crack will cause you to lose fluids, more so when the engine is running because the entire cooling system is pressurized. This will cause overheating, which may lead to significant engine damage and a very costly repair bill.

Tires are your car’s connection to the road. With the surface temperature heating up to as much as 150°C during midday, you’re going to need good tires to maintain traction during those sizzling hot days. Check for tread by using a ruler to make sure you have at least two millimeters of depth remaining. Ensure that it is inflated with the correct PSI (pounds per square inch). Underinflated tires waste fuel while overinflated tires lose traction. Make sure the spare tire also has the proper amount of pressure in case it needs to be used.

Air filters must be clean so that your engine sucks in more air than dust and soot for optimal performance and high fuel efficiency.

All spark plugs should be firing consistently so that the air-fuel mixture in each chamber combusts in perfect timing with the other to get the most out of every drop of gasoline. Don’t bother with this part if you’re driving a diesel.

Fuel filters must be clean to be able to filter out rust, dirt and contaminants from the fuel you put in. If it’s not you’ll experience hard starting, engine misfires, lack of power, or worse, stalling. Aside from these, it may also lead to a damaged fuel pump, which will make matters worse.

Drive belts have markings that fade when worn. If the one on the alternator and compressor breaks, the engine’s cooling system will fail and so will all your auxiliary systems, including the steering pump, because the alternator isn’t generating any more power. Older cars have timing belts. Check that too because if it snaps, you’re not moving an inch. Newer cars use the more durable timing chain, which is rated for at least 100,000 kilometers.

Always check vehicle fluids. Coolant and water in the radiator, even battery fluid, will evaporate a little faster during this time of the year so always top up when you see levels go down. While you’re at it, check the clutch and brake fluid as well. Engine oil must be changed every 10,000 kilometers or every six months. If you’re going for a long drive on the fifth month before an oil change, it should be a good idea to replace it already to make sure your engine performs at its best during the long drive.

 

Check if fan motors are functioning properly. It can get as hot as 105°C under the hood of a running car during the summer. Your engine will need all the help it can get.

It’ll also help to clean the undercarriage. Summer is torturous to cars and it has to work extra hard to just stay cool. Mud and dirt on its belly will make it more difficult to dissipate heat.

Get your AC system ready

See to it that everything is working.

Turn on the blowers and run it from the lowest, to mid, all the way to the highest setting. Put your hand over every vent to feel if the air coming out of each is of equal level on every blower setting. If it’s not, they could be obstruction along the way. Have it checked.

If you get even the faintest whiff of something foul, have the entire system checked for bacteria or molds.

Cabin air filters should be changed every year (I’d do it before the start of every summer). Pollen and dirt, coupled by the moisture trapped in there, is a breeding ground for bacteria and other airborne diseases.

Have your mechanic check the rubber seals and hoses for cracks or leaks to make sure no Freon seeps out because the lesser you have, the hotter it gets. Also, make sure you have the correct level of refrigerant before summer kicks in.

Clean the AC condenser by blasting water over it until dirt and debris have been cleared. This will help your system get cooler, faster. If you don’t have a high-pressure washer, bring it to your nearest car wash.

The carpet and all mats must be vacuumed and cleaned, preferably every week. This ensures that there’s very little dirt and dust for the AC system to suck in, which in turn will help it in cooling the cabin down.

Don’t be a fool to stay cool

I know it looks daunting but nobody said auto maintenance was easy.

Your dealership can do all of this for you; no problem. Some even offer pick-up and delivery as long as they service your vehicle. That will take the hassle off skipping work or coming in late because you had to drop it off at the dealership.

You can also definitely DIY parts of the to-do on this list if you’re the type and have the equipment. The more technical ones you can leave to your trusty mechanic to do one weekend. Just make sure to schedule an appointment because Saturdays and Sundays in auto shops tend to get hectic.

Costs will be incurred, of course, so set aside a budget. You may go under it or way over but just remember, you can’t put a price on peace of mind.

So beat the heat and prep your car now because Summer 2020 is just around the corner.

Also Read: How to fix a flood-damaged car