Beat the heat this summer

Whilst the UK isn’t necessarily known for having scorching summers, there are the odd few days and weeks that are quite hot. During these times, your vehicle can become a real victim to the heat which leads to uncomfortable driving or breakdowns if not properly maintained.

So, this summer – we're going to help you beat the heat with these simple maintenance tips that can make the world of difference. Keep reading to see our suggestions...

Check your coolant fluid

Failure to check your coolant fluid can, unfortunately, end up in a costly breakdown if your vehicle overheats. The best practice here is to check your coolant fluid to make sure it is between the minimum and maximum markers each week or after a long drive, to avoid any chances of overheating.

Test your battery

The heat of summer can cause as much damage to your battery as the cold of winter! Battery fluid evaporates quicker in the heat, which can lead to a breakdown if you don’t keep an eye on it. If you’re unsure, head to your local garage to get your battery tested by a professional who can advise.

Dashboard Sunshade

When your car is parked, the sun glaring in through your windscreen will leave you with a very hot and stuffy car. An old but effective method of defeating this is putting a sunshade or cover on your windscreen will help reflect the sun’s UV rays and keep the interior of your car cool.

Clean your windscreen 

Speaking of your windscreen, cleaning it in the summer is highly recommended. The dust and dirt from being on the roads can build up on your windscreen and in the summer, particularly evenings when the sun is low – it can cause a bad glare when driving. This glare is dangerous when driving as it compromises your view which can cause a risk to both you and other drivers. Even if your screen doesn’t look dirty, give it a good clean and try to avoid leaving smudges to leave your screen glare-free.

Blanket your steering wheel

There’s no worse feeling than getting into your car, grabbing your steering wheel and feeling like you’ve just been scolded! To avoid your steering wheel getting too hot when the car is parked, use an old blanket or unused tea towel to cover your steering wheel. Not only will this prevent the awful burn, but it will also prevent sun damage of the wheels leather or vinyl coverings. 

The best thing to do when planning summer road trips is to make sure you are prepared. At PF Jones, we stock all the automotive accessories you need to be prepared for anything this summer. Make sure you shop all your summer essentials from PF Jones – shop now by clicking here.