Your ultimate 7-step pre-Summer car care checklist

1. Test your air conditioning (Before you need it)

Let’s start with the most obvious one. There is nothing worse than being stuck in traffic and discovering your air conditioning is only blowing hot air. Don’t wait for that first scorching day. Turn your A/C on now, put it on the coldest setting, and check that the air coming out is genuinely icy.

If it feels a bit lukewarm, it might need a regas. This is a simple service where a technician tops up the refrigerant. We can also check for any leaks in the system and replace your cabin filter, which ensures the air you’re breathing is clean and free of spring pollen and dust.

2. Check the engine’s cooling system (The other A/C)

While your A/C keeps you cool, the car’s cooling system keeps your engine cool. This is the single most important check to prevent a summer breakdown. The cooling system (which includes the radiator, water pump, hoses, and coolant) works overtime in summer.

A small leak or old, ineffective coolant can quickly lead to your engine overheating, causing catastrophic and expensive damage. We recommend getting a professional to:

Test the coolant:

Coolant (or antifreeze) degrades over time. We can check its concentration and condition.

Inspect hoses and belts:

Rubber hoses and belts can crack and perish in warmer temperatures. A visual inspection can catch a small problem before it becomes a big one.

Check the radiator:

Ensure the radiator is free of debris and that the cooling fans are working correctly.

3. Get your battery tested

We often think of winter as being tough on batteries, but did you know summer heat is just as bad, if not worse? High temperatures can accelerate the chemical degradation inside your battery, shortening its lifespan. A battery that was already struggling through winter may fail completely when the first summer heatwave hits.

A quick battery test at our workshop can tell you the remaining health of your battery, giving you peace of mind that you won’t get stranded at the shops or on the way to the beach.

4. Inspect your tyres: Pressure and tread

Your tyres are the only part of your car connecting you to the very hot road. Heat causes the air inside your tyres to expand, increasing the pressure. This makes them more vulnerable to a blowout, especially if they are already worn or damaged.

Check pressure (when cold):

In spring, set your tyre pressures to the manufacturer’s recommendation (usually found on a placard inside your driver’s door). As summer heats up, check them more regularly.

Check tread:

Worn tyres are incredibly dangerous, especially in those sudden summer downpours. Ensure you have adequate tread depth.

Look for damage:

Inspect the sidewalls for any cracks or bulges, which can be signs of UV damage or a structural failure.

5. Replace your wiper blades

Spring in Sydney often means unpredictable showers, and summer brings dust and inevitable splattered bugs. Your wiper blades are made of soft rubber that perishes quickly under the harsh Aussie sun. If your blades are streaking, skipping, or making noise, replace them now. Good visibility is non-negotiable for safety. While you’re at it, top up your windscreen washer fluid.

6. Protect your paint and interior

The Australian sun is relentless. UV rays can fade your paint, crack your dashboard, and perish your interior plastics.

Wax your car:

Giving your car a good wash and a coat of quality wax or paint sealant in spring is like applying sunscreen. It adds a crucial layer of UV protection against the harsh summer sun.

Invest in a sunshade:

A simple reflective sunshade for your windscreen makes a huge difference. It keeps the cabin temperature down and protects your steering wheel and dashboard from direct UV damage.

7. Get your brakes checked

Are you planning a summer road trip? Before you load up the family and head down the coast, get your brakes inspected. A full car, high speeds, and steep holiday-traffic descents put extra strain on your braking system. A pre-trip brake check is a simple step for a safe journey.