Caring for your car doesn't have to be expensive, challenging, or complicated.
In fact, something as simple as using windscreen sun shades can go a long way in protecting your car's interior from the negative impacts of the sun's UV rays. While simple, you must stay on top of regular maintenance. Failure to do even the simplest checks can lead to huge problems.
Fluid Checks
If you want your car's engines to run smoothly, it's important to regularly check the fluids that lubricate and protect critical components. Under the sweltering heat of the Australian sun, these components can easily break without the essential fluids.
- Do the 5-minute dipstick test to check the engine oil’s level and colour. If it's black or dark brown, an oil change may be in order.
- Top up the engine oil if it's low to protect the engine from overheating.
- Check coolant levels to ensure your engine stays cool even when running under the heat of the summer sun. There should be enough coolant to prevent overheating, which can lead to irreparable damage.
- Check brake and power steering fluids. Inefficient fluids may cause your brakes to fail and make driving more difficult.
Tyre Safety
The Australian Design Rules (ADR) provide the vehicle standards that must be followed nationwide. The standards cover various aspects, such as anti-theft, vehicle safety, and emissions. When it comes to tyres, there are several ADRs in effect.
- ADR 23 requires tyres to meet labelling requirements and performance standards, such as heat resistance and stability. Compliance will ensure that you're driving a vehicle that meets at least a minimum level of safety.
- ADR 42 stipulates that the wheel and tyre are covered by a guard that meets legal requirements.
- To ensure your tyres' roadworthiness, make sure to check the pressure, as this can affect handling, fuel efficiency, and everything in between. Use a pressure gauge to check whether each tyre is over- or under-inflated.
- Check that the tread depth is at least 1.6 mm, but many recommend replacing the tyres when the tread is around 3 mm deep.
- Look for any bulges and cuts on the tyre's sidewall, which can lead to poor performance depending on the extent of the damage. Most scratches and nicks, for example, are superficial but may allow moisture and debris to penetrate deep into the tyres and cause more damage.
- If the damage on the sidewall looks more serious, have your tyre checked professionally. Have it checked for a wheel alignment service while you're at it.
Exterior and Interior Protection
The inside and outside of your car are susceptible to the elements, particularly the intense sunlight and UV rays in Australia. Taking pre-emptive steps to protect your vehicle will spare you from costly repairs. This also means you get to use and enjoy your car for longer.
- Regularly wash and wax your car to protect the paint. Avoid anything that can strip your car's paint, such as a dishwashing detergent.
- Use a car wax designed to protect the body paint from contaminants and the harmful rays of the sun.
- Make sure the rubber of the wiper blades is free of tears, cracks, and any signs of wear.
- If you see chips or cracks on the windscreen, have them fixed right away, no matter how small. Don't wait for a small crack to require a full windscreen replacement.
- Keep the interior of your car clean to prevent dust, dirt, and moisture build-up. Follow a strict schedule, so you’ll only need to do light vacuuming instead of an all-day cleanup.
- If you have leather upholstery, make sure to condition it after cleaning and stain removal. This is the easiest way of preserving the interior.
Check Battery Health
Before going on long drives, make it a habit to check the battery. No comprehensive car insurance will save you from being stranded in the middle of nowhere due to a dead battery.
- Consider the battery's age and see if a replacement is needed. Most car batteries can last up to five years, so be sure to replace yours if it's older than this.
- Check for any visible signs of corrosion, especially on the terminals. Build-up may compromise battery performance, which can result in dim lights or the car not starting at all.
- A slow start may also mean a weak battery, so having it checked will ensure your safety on the road.
- If you see heavy corrosion, make sure to clean or replace the battery before using the vehicle to prevent being stranded.
Replace the Cabin Air Filter
With important role of filtering out pollutants entering your vehicle through the vents, air filters must be replaced regularly.
- Failure to replace it can impact air quality inside the vehicle and even restrict the air moving through your AC system.
- A poor-performing air filter can cause your car's interior to smell bad, windows to fog up, and even damage the blower motor.
By simply checking car fluids, tyre depth and tread, and battery health, cleaning the interior, protecting the exterior, and replacing the cabin filter, you can keep your vehicle in good condition for a long time. As a simple tool to protect your car’s interior, invest only in highly effective windscreen shades from Snap Shades.
