12 Essential Car Maintenance Tips for Hot Weather in Kenya

Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed and anxious all the time? You’re not alone. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life and forget to take care of ourselves. But the truth is, self-care is essential for our mental and physical well-being.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the concept of self-care and why it’s so important. We’ll also provide practical tips and strategies for incorporating self-care into your daily routine, even if you have a busy schedule. So if you’re ready to prioritize your health and happiness, keep reading.

Check your air conditioning The hot summer weather calls for a functional air conditioning system in your car. Before summer starts, test your AC to ensure it is working correctly. If you turn on your air conditioning and feel hot air, consider adding refrigerant (Freon) to your car’s AC system to boost it. If this doesn’t fix the problem, take your car to a mechanic to diagnose and treat the issue.

Inspect your tire pressure Winter conditions can cause damage to your tires. Before embarking on long summer road trips, check your tire pressure to ensure that they are not over or underinflated. Most passenger cars require a recommended tire pressure between 30 and 35 PSI (pounds per square inch). Refer to your car owner’s manual to know your tire pressure range.

Optimal tire pressure can help prevent flat tires and tire blowouts. It can also maximize your gas mileage during long drives. Additionally, check your spare tire’s air pressure to ensure it can serve as a reliable alternative in case of an emergency.

Top up engine fluids : Seasonal weather changes can lead to low engine fluids as they tend to thin or evaporate in warm temperatures. During the summer, ensure you top up your transmission fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, and windshield wiper fluid. Check your coolant fluid levels to prevent your car’s engine from overheating.

Change your oil and filter : Getting your oil and filter changed is a simple way to extend your vehicle’s life. Oil lubricants protect your engine from wear and tear, and the oil filter removes contaminants from your car’s engine oil. Change your oil every 5,000 miles or according to your car manufacturer’s oil maintenance guidelines.

Test your brakes After experiencing harsh winter weather, it is important to monitor your car’s brake performance. Regularly test your brakes not only in the summer but all year round. Listen for squealing or growling sounds and check for brake pulling, where your vehicle pulls to one side when you press the brake pedal. If you notice any of these poor performance signs, get your brakes inspected and potentially repaired.

Replace your windshield wipers; Maintaining visibility while driving is essential, especially during summer. Dust, pollen particles, and sun glare can impair your visibility. Check your windshield wipers’ effectiveness to ensure they remove anything that could hinder your view. It’s best to check or replace your windshield wipers at the end of each season.

Maintain air filters; Air filters play a crucial role, especially during summer, by preventing pollutants from coming in through the vents. They are also critical during seasons with high pollen counts. Routinely cleaning or replacing your air filter is vital to maintain your car’s air conditioning system’s quality and avoid costly repairs. Change your air filter every 12 months or 12,000 miles or according to your manufacturer’s recommendations.

Clean your car Keeping your car’s interior and exterior clean helps maintain its value and avoids costly repairs. Hot temperatures can melt plastics, food or other rubbish left inside your car and damage the interior. Keeping the exterior clean also protects the paintwork from the sun’s rays.