Summer is synonymous with long holidays and road trips.
With the weather being more conducive for outdoor activities, exploring new places, and going back to your favorite haunts, taking a vacation is simply a must during this time of the year. And by driving your car to your destination, you can see and discover more sights along the way.
If you plan to take your Audi on these road trips, you have to ensure it is in top shape. Doing so will keep you and your passengers safe while you go on long rides.
Moreover, you will have peace of mind that your car won’t suddenly break down in the middle of the road, and that you won’t have difficulties getting it fixed or towed.
Summer Maintenance Tips for Your Audi
Bringing your car to a reputable service center before going on your summer holiday should be part of your Audi maintenance in Dubai. By doing so, experts will be able to check your vehicle inside and out to ensure it is safe to drive regardless of where you are going and how long you will be on the road.
Aside from checking your car, the mechanics will perform any service and repair it needs. These preventive measures will further ensure your Audi is ready for the long trip ahead.
Experts in Audi maintenance also say there are several tips you can follow to get a car ready for the warm weather and long trips you will take. These techniques will also keep your vehicle protected during the hot season.
Here are the top six tips for maintaining your Audi this summer:
- Keep an eye on the car battery.
Extreme heat, which the summer season often brings, can damage your vehicle’s battery. It can cause internal corrosion, which can lead to irreparable damage and reduce the life expectancy of this important automotive component.
Additionally, severe or unnecessary heat can also cause the battery fluids to evaporate, which, in turn, can damage the internal structure and elements of the battery.
To keep your vehicle’s battery in good condition this summer, have it inspected by experts regularly. Also, check it for any bulges or cracks and bring it to your mechanic as soon as you see one.
Remove any corrosion that you see on the battery terminals as well by rubbing them gently with a cloth or brush.
Also, park your Audi in a shaded area whenever possible.
- Check the coolant system frequently.
Your Audi’s coolant system has the important job of keeping your car’s engine cool while you are driving. When temperatures are high, both components work harder. If you don’t maintain them, you will experience frequent overheating.
As such, it is crucial that you keep an eye on the coolant system.
Keeping the coolant at a safe level, and regular antifreeze flush and fill, can help you prevent unexpected overheating problems. If you don’t know how to do these, have your mechanic handle them.
- Change the air filter regularly.
Air filters allow vehicles to function properly. They prevent small particles from entering the engine and causing damage.
When you don’t change your car’s air filter regularly, you allow dust and debris to build up. When it becomes clogged, the performance of your Audi will be affected. Moreover, you let allergens and other unhealthy airborne particles to enter and swirl around your vehicle.
A good rule of thumb to follow is to have your air filter checked when you have your oil changed. And have it changed when your mechanic tells you it’s time to replace it.
- Ensure the air conditioning system is working properly.
The air conditioner is another important system you have to make sure is working optimally this summer. Nothing can be more uncomfortable and stressful than being on the road for hours under the sweltering heat without an AC.
Unfortunately, discomfort is not the biggest problem you have to deal with when your AC is not working during your summer road trip. Since your vehicle’s interior can heat up to a hotter temperature than the outside air, things can become dangerous inside quickly.
If you notice your air conditioner is not releasing the amount of cool air that it used to, have it checked by your mechanic immediately. Doing so ensures you will have a comfy, cool, and safe journey regardless of how long you will be on the road.
- Check your rims and wheels.
Your tires are also crucial parts of your Audi that you need to make sure are in excellent condition this summer, especially if you are going on a long road trip within or outside the city.
Start by examining the tire tread. Try the penny test to check if the tires still have the right tread depth. You should also have the tires rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles to help distribute the wear and tear evenly.
Also, if your car keeps pulling to one side or the steering wheel seems to be vibrating, bring it to a service center immediately. They are signs of wheel misalignment caused by run-ins with curbs, potholes, and rough roads or wear and tear.
Proper wheel alignment can help you drive more smoothly, save money on gas, and extend the life of your tires.
Before a long drive, check the pressure of each tire. They tend to lose pressure daily and if they reach unhealthy levels while on the road, it can lead to blowouts.
Low tire pressure can also cause the tires to wear prematurely, which can lead to their failure.
Before going on a long trip, ensure that your tires, including the spare, are well-inflated. Make sure to follow the level recommended in the owner’s manual or on the tires.
- Protect your Audi from the sun.
The extreme summer heat and UV rays can cause the paint of your car to wear faster. If neglected, they can start to peel, fade, or crack.
To minimize the damage your vehicle can get from the hot weather condition, avoid leaving it under the sun for long hours. This means parking it in a shaded area such as a garage or carport whenever possible.
To prevent the sun from damaging your vehicle’s interior, get some sunshades and place them on your dashboard and rear windows. Aside from protecting the seats and other elements inside your car, these accessories help keep it cool.
Also, always wash your car, especially if you went to the beach or live in a coastal area. Salt residue can cause rust and, as such, it is important to prevent them from settling on your vehicle.
Lastly, wax your vehicle regularly. Waxing provides an additional layer of protection that helps prevent sun damage and scratches. It also makes it easier for you to remove bird droppings, dust, pollen, and other types of dirt.
If long road trips are part of your summer plans, ensure your Audi is in great condition to have an enjoyable, stress-free, and safe holiday.
AUTHOR BIO:
Ahmad Ramadan is a Managing Partner at Deutsche Technik Service Center, Dubai’s first and largest VW, Audi, Mercedes, Bentley, Porsche, & Lamborghini vehicle specialist and performance tuner. DT has also built an illustrious portfolio in classic car repair, maintenance, and restoration, as well as body work (accident repair, painting, and denting). DT Service Centre offers a full range of services: mechanical repairs, maintenance, servicing, etc.
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