Two rows of cars are parked on a parking lot outdoors on a sunny day.

Summer Car Care – Preparing Your Car for the Rising Temperatures

Just like you swap your woollens for cotton, your car needs some extra attention as the mercury rises! The scorching Indian summer can be surprisingly harsh on your beloved vehicle. From faded paint to overheated engines, the intense heat brings unique challenges that shouldn’t be ignored.

At CarzSpa, we understand that proper summer car care is essential for maintaining your vehicle’s performance and appearance during these hot months. Don’t sweat it! By following a few simple yet effective tips from our experts, you can keep your car protected, running smoothly and ready for those summer road trips and city commutes.

This guide covers everything from cooling system maintenance to interior protection, so you can enjoy the sunny season with complete peace of mind!

Table of contents

Why is Car Care Essential During the Summer?

While summer brings long days and vibrant sunshine across India, it also presents several significant challenges for car owners. The relentless heat and extended sun exposure can take a serious toll on your vehicle if proper car maintenance in summer isn’t prioritised.

Paint Fading and Damage

UV rays can mercilessly fade and damage your car’s paint, making it look dull and aged before its time. This not only affects appearance but also reduces your vehicle’s resale value.

Overheating

Soaring temperatures can cause your engine to overheat, potentially leading to roadside breakdowns and expensive repairs when you least expect them.

Tyre Issues

Heat significantly increases tyre pressure, which can result in dangerous blowouts or reduced road grip, compromising your safety during travel.

Interior Damage

The intense sun can crack dashboards, fade seat upholstery and damage sensitive electronic components inside your car.

By implementing proper protective measures during these hot months, you can shield your vehicle from these harmful effects and ensure a smooth, safe and comfortable driving experience throughout the summer season

Get Your Car’s Pre-Summer Servicing Done

A serviceman repairs a car
Think of a pre-summer service as preparing your car for a marathon under the relentless Indian sun. Just as you wouldn’t run a marathon without proper training, your vehicle needs thorough preparation before facing the intense summer heat. A qualified mechanic will inspect all vital components, ensuring they’re ready to handle the temperature extremes. They’ll check coolant levels, battery health, air conditioning system, and drive belts, making sure everything is in optimal condition. This preventive approach helps avoid unexpected breakdowns on busy city roads or during those long-awaited summer trips. It’s essentially giving your car both protection and endurance, like applying sunscreen and staying hydrated – preparing it for whatever challenges the summer weather might bring! Regular servicing before summer isn’t just about comfort; it’s about extending your vehicle’s lifespan and maintaining its performance during the most demanding season.

Check Coolant Levels and Radiator

Checking coolant level
Just as you need to stay hydrated during India’s sweltering summer months, your car’s engine requires proper fluid levels to prevent overheating. Following some essential coolant check tips can save you from roadside emergencies and costly repairs. Your car’s coolant system works tirelessly to regulate engine temperature, especially when stuck in traffic under the blazing sun. Check your coolant reservoir regularly when the engine is cool and ensure the level falls between the minimum and maximum markers. If it’s low, top it up with the manufacturer-recommended coolant (never just water!). While checking coolant, inspect your radiator for any debris, leaves, or bugs that might block proper airflow. A clogged radiator drastically reduces cooling efficiency, forcing your engine to work harder and run hotter. Remember to examine hoses and connections for leaks or cracks, as these small issues can quickly escalate into major problems during peak summer temperatures.

Inspect and Maintain Your Car Battery

The punishing summer heat can be particularly harsh on your car’s battery. High temperatures accelerate the chemical reactions inside, causing battery fluid to evaporate faster and potentially reducing its lifespan and charging capacity. Regularly inspect your battery terminals for signs of white or greenish corrosion, which can prevent proper electrical connections. Clean any buildup carefully using a mixture of baking soda and water, ensuring the engine is off before you begin. Pay attention to warning signs like slow engine cranking, dimming headlights, or electronic glitches; these often indicate your battery health is declining. If your battery is more than three years old, consider having it professionally tested before the peak summer months arrive. Many drivers are surprised when batteries fail during summer rather than winter. Proactive battery maintenance now can prevent being stranded in the scorching heat later. For older batteries showing signs of weakness, replacement before summer is a wise investment that ensures peace of mind during your travels.

Protect Your Car's Paint from the Sun

Application of car ceramic coating
During the scorching Indian summer, your car’s paint protection needs to be taken seriously. The relentless sun bombards your vehicle with harmful UV rays that can fade, oxidise, and permanently damage the paintwork, making your prized possession look tired and aged before its time.

Ceramic Coating

A professional ceramic coating creates a semi-permanent, chemically bonded protective layer over your car’s paint. This Sio2-based nano-coating forms an incredibly hard, glass-like shield that offers superior UV protection while giving your car a deep, mirror-like shine.

At CarzSpa, our premium CrystalShield ceramic coatings, like Pentagon 10h, provide exceptional protection for up to 5 years. For those seeking cutting-edge technology, our G10 Impact Graphene Coating offers unmatched durability and hydrophobic properties—water simply beads up and rolls off, taking dirt with it and preventing water spots even during the harshest summer downpours.

Paint Protection Film

For ultimate paint protection, nothing beats a professional-grade PPF (Paint Protection Film). Our Aegis PPF solutions create an invisible shield against environmental damage, stone chips and UV rays.

The Aegis Armor offers excellent clarity and self-healing properties, while the premium Aegis Xceed from the XG Series provides unparalleled protection with advanced hydrophobic technology and superior optical clarity, maintaining your car’s showroom finish regardless of harsh summer conditions.

Both these premium protection options are exclusively available at CarzSpa detailing studios across India, where trained professionals ensure perfect application for long-lasting results.

Care for Your Tyres in the Heat

Checking tyre pressure

Your car’s tyres are literally where the rubber meets the road, and proper tyre care in summer is crucial for both safety and performance. The intense Indian summer heat creates unique challenges for your tyres that demand special attention.

Tyre Pressure

Heat significantly increases the air pressure inside your tyres. For every 10°C rise in temperature, tyre pressure can increase by approximately 1-2 PSI. This can lead to:

  • Overinflated tyres that reduce road contact and handling
  • Increased risk of dangerous blowouts, especially during high-speed driving
  • Uneven wear that shortens tyre life

Check your tyre pressure during the cooler parts of the day (early morning is best) when readings are most accurate. The recommended pressure can typically be found on a sticker inside your driver’s door frame or in your owner’s manual.

Tread Depth

Summer brings occasional unexpected showers, and adequate tread depth becomes crucial for preventing hydroplaning. The extremely hot asphalt can accelerate tread wear, so regular inspections are essential.

Insert a 1 rupee coin into the tread grooves—if you can see the top of the Ashoka Pillar’s head, your tyres need replacement. Worn tyres are particularly dangerous in summer as they’re more prone to overheating and failure.

Rotating your tyres every 8,000-10,000 kilometres helps ensure even wear patterns and extends their lifespan through the punishing summer months.

Maintain Your Car’s Air Conditioning System

AC vent with cool air

There’s nothing more essential during the scorching Indian summer than a properly functioning air conditioning system. Beyond just comfort, effective cooling is crucial for maintaining focus and alertness while driving through intense heat.

A well-maintained AC system is also one of the key car overheating solutions that many drivers overlook. When your cabin stays cool, you’re less likely to push your engine to work harder by driving aggressively in frustration.

Signs your AC needs attention include:

  • Weak airflow from vents
  • Air that isn’t as cold as it should be
  • Unusual noises when the AC is running
  • Strange odours coming from the vents (indicating mould growth)
  • The cabin is taking longer than normal to cool down

Professional AC servicing should include cleaning or replacing the cabin air filter, checking refrigerant levels, inspecting for leaks in the system and cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils. This maintenance is particularly important before summer road trips or if you regularly travel with children, elderly family members, or pets who are more vulnerable to heat stress.

Remember that running your AC periodically during other seasons helps maintain seals and prevents system components from drying out, contributing to longer AC life and better performance when you need it most.

Protect Your Car’s Interior

Car dashboard sunshade

The scorching Indian summer sun can wreak havoc on your car’s interior surfaces, causing dashboard cracking, seat fading and plastic deterioration. These damages not only affect your car’s aesthetics but also decrease its resale value. Here’s how to protect your vehicle’s cabin effectively:

Install Safety Glazing Films

For superior heat protection, CarzSpa’s Aegis Safety Glazing Films offer a permanent solution that works even when you’re driving. The Aegis CX70 Ceramic Safety Glazing Film provides exceptional heat reduction with a stylish finish that enhances your vehicle’s appearance. It’s both practical and sophisticated. This advanced film significantly reduces cabin temperature, minimises glare and blocks 99% of harmful UV rays that damage your interior. The ceramic technology ensures your mobile signals remain strong while providing superior comfort throughout your journey

Park in the Shade

Whenever possible, choose shaded parking spots under trees, buildings, or in covered parking structures. This simple habit adds another layer of protection for your vehicle’s interior.

Protect Your Leather Upholstery

Leather conditioning is essential during summer months as heat can cause premium leather to dry out, crack and fade. CarzSpa’s Genuine Car Leather Conditioning and Protection service addresses this concern comprehensively.

Our specialised process begins with thorough vacuum cleaning of leather surfaces, followed by treatment with professional-grade leather cleaners that remove embedded dirt and stubborn stains. The protection phase involves application of aloe-based leather conditioners containing UV inhibitors that nourish the leather, maintaining its suppleness and preventing sun damage.

This treatment not only restores your leather’s natural lustre but also creates a protective barrier against future damage, keeping your car’s interior looking and feeling luxurious throughout the summer months and beyond.

Ensure Proper Ventilation

car windows slightly open

Ventilation can drastically reduce the temperature inside a car. If you’re parking in the sun with no shade, leave the windows slightly open, so the air doesn’t get trapped inside and heat up everything.

Some Concluding Thoughts

The summer season doesn’t have to be a nightmare for your car. By implementing a proper car care routine that includes frequent car washes, tyre checks and interior maintenance, you can ensure your car is well-protected and ready to brave the heat. Don’t wait until the temperatures soar – take proactive steps today to shield your car from the summer’s wrath and enjoy a safe and comfortable driving experience throughout the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.How often should I wash my car in the summer?

Washing your car weekly removes dust and grime that bakes onto the paint in the sun. This prevents damage and keeps it shining bright.

2.What is the best way to protect my car’s paint from the sun?

Park in the shade whenever you can! Also, consider a ceramic coating or regular waxing. These create a protective layer against harmful UV rays, preventing fading and damage.

3.How can I keep my car’s interior cool?

Use a sunshade on your windshield when parked. This blocks sunlight and keeps the interior cooler. You can also install Aegis Safety Glazing Film to reject heat and block UV rays.

4.Why is it important to check my car battery in the summer?

Summer heat can cause battery fluid to evaporate, weakening the battery. Regular checks prevent unexpected breakdowns and keep your car starting reliably.

5.What should I do if my car overheats?

Pull over immediately in a safe location and let the engine cool down. Do not open the radiator cap while the engine is hot! Check coolant levels once cool and seek professional help if the problem persists.

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Picture of Deepam Sama

Deepam Sama

Deepam Sama is the Vice President of Business Strategy and Development at CarzSpa Detailing Studios, a leading car care company in India. He is a second-generation entrepreneur who has a passion for scaling up businesses and creating innovative marketing strategies. Deepam holds an MBA in Marketing from Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune and a BBA from the Institute of Management, Nirma University. He previously worked in the Sales Strategy team at ICICI Prudential Life Insurance, where he gained experience in developing and executing growth plans.

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