Appeal following car fire

Car on fire on St Mary’s Gate

Following a car fire on St Mary’s Gate, Rochdale, last weekend, when a car accidentally caught fire during the course of its journey, police have appealed to drivers to take care of their vehicles during the warm spell.

Beat the heat this year with these summer car care tips:

Check your car’s fluid levels

Checking the fluid levels on your car is very important when the temperatures are climbing. Checking coolant, motor oil, and windshield washer fluid are three of the basics that should be checked regularly. Each of these can be easily checked and maintained on your own as well. Another benefit of checking them regularly is that if anything goes wrong you will be aware of it quickly and avoid being stranded somewhere with an overheated engine.

How is your car’s tyre pressures?

Maintaining proper tire pressure is important for more than just good fuel mileage. If tyres are inflated more or less than they should be it can cause poor handling or create excess heat. Excess heat can up the risk for a blowout, which is the last thing any motorist wants to deal with especially in the heat of the day. This is particularly important in summer months when the higher temperatures can cause the air in your tyres to expand.

Your car loves shade too!

Just as you seek shade during the hottest part of the day it’s a good idea to find some shade for your car as well. Shade is important because it is less work for your car to keep the engine cool if it’s already been sitting in the shade. It is also better cosmetically for your car. Beating sun can fade the paint and facilitate cracking on the interior of your vehicle as well. Simply taking the extra time to find a shady spot for your car and placing a sunshade in your windshield can make a world of difference.

Does your car need a summer check up?

While there are many things you can do yourself to make sure your car is running smoothly, nothing beats taking it in to a certified technician to make sure your car is in tip top shape. A mechanic can make a thorough inspection of your car to make sure it’s prepared for the summer heat and, especially, any summer road trips. Avoid headaches by having your filters, fluids, and air conditioning system looked at by a professional.