How to get your car ready for summer with a DIY service

Summer is the time for road trips, exploration and days at the beach — which can mean more time behind the wheel. Ensuring your car is in good shape helps you feel safer on the road and drive with confidence. Here are some DIY service tips and checks you can do at home to prepare your car for the summer.

Test the air conditioner

A working air conditioner is essential to keeping you comfortable on the road during summer. While air conditioner repairs may be better left to a mechanic, you can run tests from home to help catch issues before they arise. Next time you turn on your air conditioner, look out for:

• damp or pungent odours coming from the vent
• inconsistent air flow
• warm air, or
• air starting cool then turning warm.

If you’re experiencing any of these, which could indicate issues with the compressor, leaks and/or bacteria build-up, it’s worth taking it to the mechanic.

Top up windscreen washer fluid and change wiper blades

Better visibility helps you drive safer, especially if you’re driving on highways and country roads. Topping up your windscreen fluid is a quick and easy way to help your visibility, and you can do it at home.

• Open up your bonnet and look for the washer fluid reservoir (look out for the washer/water symbol).
• Remove the cap and fill up the reservoir until the ‘full’ line, adding in any washer additive, and dilute it with clean water.

Check the rubber on your wiper blades to see whether they need to be replaced. Frayed and worn wiper blades can leave streaks that can obstruct your view. If you notice any wear and tear, take it to the mechanic to be changed.

Check for tyre wear and tear

Slippery winter weather can take a toll on your tyres. The rubber also tends to wear quicker during the warmer months. That’s why it’s important to check the condition of your tyres leading up to the summertime. There are some tyre tests you can do from home:

• Checking your tyre tread‚ that is, the depth of the grooves that run along each tyre. To check yours, look for the small bar on each side of the tyres with the letters TWI (tread wear indicator). If the tread has worn down to the level of the letters, it could be time to change them.
• Testing tyre pressure. If you don’t know the recommended tyre pressure for your car, you can usually find it on the driver’s seat door jamb. You can inflate your tyres at the local service station.

Test your brake pads

Brake pads in good condition are important for road trips and drives to the beach, where you may have to brake frequently and/or suddenly due to wildlife, pedestrians and traffic. The next time you take your car out, look out for these things:

• Screeching noises when the brakes are engaged.
• Deep, low noises that sound like metallic grinding.
• Brake pedals that pulsate when pressured.
• Car pulling to one side.

Any of these issues could signify brake pad wear and tear and should be checked by a mechanic immediately.

Check your oil level

A top-up of engine oil can help your engine work smoothly and help prevent heat damage. Checking your oil level is an easy fix to do at home.

• Turn your car off and wait a few minutes, then pop the bonnet.
• Look for the looped yellow end of the dipstick near the engine, and wipe it clean with a cloth.
• Push the dipstick back in, wait a few seconds and then withdraw it.
• Check the level on the dipstick. The oil should be between the ‘E’ (empty) and ‘F’ (full) lines, and not above or below.
• If the level is low, remove the oil cap and add a small amount of oil fuel using a funnel, then check the dipstick level again.

Check your car insurance

Having the right level of insurance cover can give you peace of mind. You’ll know that if something happens, you could be covered. Roadside Assistance can also give you extra assurance that help is available when you need it, so you can get back on the road quicker. Available with GIO Comprehensive or Platinum Cover, our Roadside Assistance can lend a helping hand 24/7 Australia-wide. T&Cs apply.

Explore GIO Roadside Assistance

Read more:

• Common car breakdown scenarios and how to avoid them
• What you need in your car emergency kit
• Why it’s important to have roadside assistance

Insurance issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as GIO. Consider the Product Disclosure Statement before buying this insurance. The Target Market Determination is also available. Limits, conditions and exclusions apply. This advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situations or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it.