There are many benefits to owning a car. Getting from A to B, on your own time and on your terms are one. Convenience is another. There’s freedom in being able to jump in and drive, and not have to get crammed in like cattle on a train or tram.
Yet owning a car means being responsible for its maintenance, and taking great care when you drive. Even though cars are solid and tough objects, they can still be prone to wear and tear – especially when exposed to the weather. Let’s explore how to best prepare your car to handle the elements.
Get it Checked by a Professional
It’s worth engaging a mobile mechanic in Brisbane to examine your car and determine how prepared it is for the weather. A qualified auto technician will be able to thoroughly inspect your vehicle and make an assessment of what, if any, work it needs to be able to drive in the rain or a storm. A good mechanic will also be able to spot any potential issues as they emerge, and be able to fix them before they morph into larger and more expensive problems. As a rule of thumb, you should have your car serviced and checked every six months or 10,000 kilometres, whichever comes first.
Park Wisely
One way to protect your car from the harsh Australian sunlight is to park wisely. A shaded spot is best. This will mean your paint doesn’t fade quickly, as well as keeping your car cooler to return to than if you parked in the direct sunlight. Be careful though! Parking under a tree may seem like a good shady spot, but you may return to find your car a mural of bird droppings. Consider an undercover parking lot or parking in the shade of a large building instead.
Wash Your Car Regularly
The mere act of driving your vehicle exposes it to dust, dirt, debris and all manner of contaminants from the road. Rain contains all manner of nasties too or can cause them to splash up onto your automobile as you drive. This is why it is important to give your car a regular wash and wax. If you have the time, you should do this yourself on the weekend. It will take an hour or so to rinse, wash, wax and hand dry your car. If you are time-poor, consider dropping it at a local hand car wash while you go shopping or run errands. Aim to wash your car every two weeks, or every week if you can manage it.
Check Your Tyre Pressure
Tyres that aren’t adequately inflated can pose a risk, especially in wild weather. Make checking your tyre pressure a part of your regular car care routine – along with checking your oil, coolant and other fluids. Check the panel inside the driver’s side door, here will be the optimum pressure for your tyres. Most service stations will have free air for you to use.
A Car Care Conclusion
To keep your car performing well in all weather conditions, have it inspected by a mechanic regularly. Park wisely on hot days, and remember that a big tree may not be a wise option! Give your car a regular wash, or take it to a hand car wash if you don’t have the time to do it yourself. Finally, ensure your tyres are inflated to their recommended pressure – this will keep you safe on wet roads. Stay safe out there and follow these tips and you’ll be right as rain – pardon the pun.
