Need to know now
Hot summers are par for the course in Australia. While we know the drill for protecting ourselves from the heat, what about our cars?
It’s no secret sun and heat can be extremely damaging, so how can you prepare your vehicle and keep it at its best for longer?
A little extra TLC in the warmer months is worth it for long-lasting, trouble-free driving. Here are some hot tips.
When you can see the asphalt shimmering with heat, think about the potential impact on your car’s precious tyres!
Wax on
Summer temps can dry out your tyres and cause them to wear faster. Washing and waxing your tyres regularly will help them withstand the heat.
Take the pressure down
Because hot air expands, tyre pressure increases as the temperature rises. Drop a little off your tyre pressure if a period of particularly hot weather is approaching. Tyre pressure should be checked and adjusted regularly and tyres should be inflated to the manufacturer’s recommendations. A good rule of thumb is that your tyres lose about one PSI of pressure every month. Remember, under-inflated tyres can wear faster and affect your fuel economy.
Tread carefully
Spending more time day-or-road-tripping? Stay safer by checking your tyre tread depth with this simple hack using a 20c coin. Less treat equals less grip on the road, so it's recommended to maintain a depth of at least 3mm (even though legally you're required to replace your tyres once worn to 1.6mm).
Just like thighs sticking to leather seats on a hot day, your engine can suffer unpleasant reactions to extreme temperatures too.
Coolant calm
Check your vehicle coolant levels NOW if you didn't at the start of summer, and again before any long-distance travel or periods of extreme temperatures.
Keep your fluids up
Other fluids in your vehicle can also dry up faster in the heat. Make it a point to check all your vehicle fluids including engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, differential fluid, power steering fluid, hydraulic clutch fluid and window washer fluids.
Ideal conditions
You might not be aware that your vehicle’s air conditioning should ideally be serviced every two years to check and top up refrigerant levels, clean the air filters (read: remove bad smells) and ensure the fan is functioning well.
With a novated lease, servicing, maintenance and tyre replacement is budgeted for the life of your lease.
The sun’s UV rays can be vicious to surfaces. While you’re cooling off at the beach, your car could be baking in the full sun for hours.
There's a range of options available through SG Fleet to help you and your car weather the tough Aussie conditions. When you package these options as part of your novated lease, you're increasing your GST and income tax savings.
Tyre, wheel & glass protection
Truseal tyre, wheel and glass protection is professionally applied to provide resistance to corrosion on alloy wheels, a durable satin finish on tyres, and all-season glass treatment to windscreens.
Window film
The sun’s rays travel through unprotected glass and can damage your dash and other interior surfaces. Like sunglasses for your car, darkest legal film blocks up to 99% of UV rays, reduces heat and glare, and also increases privacy and style!
Surface coatings
HYDRO paint protection creates a barrier against UV damage. A once-off application, it's an investment towards your car's re-sale value. Meanwhile, for interior surfaces such as leather, vinyl and fabric, ACTIV interior coatings help protect against UV damage and discolouration. We all know how hot those leather seats can get! You wouldn't stay in the sun without sunscreen, so why expect your car to?
Before or after a day by the bay, counter the effects of sand and salt.
Roll out the green carpet
If you’re the outdoorsy type, summer means loads of sand and dirt sneaking inside your vehicle. Our interior accessories partner RubberTree has a newly-developed range of eco carpet mats, locally manufactured from 97% recycled nylon from the regeneration of pre- and post-consumer waste. A set for the car plus a boot mat will safeguard your active lifestyle.
Rinse & repeat
For the exterior, rinse your vehicle after trips to the beach or off road. Do this before any scrubbing with a sponge, otherwise small sand and dirt particles could damage your paintwork. Now your vehicle's ready for the next adventure!
Road-trip ready
OK, this part may not strictly be about sun protection.. but it is about fun in the sun!
For off-road enthusiasts, having the right gear on hand when you need it can make all the difference. ARB is a trusted 4X4 accessories brand which promises to make your summer adventures even more thrilling. Think rooftop tents, portable fridge freezers, wheel arch flares, solar batteries, long-range fuel tanks and more. Talk to your SG Fleet consultant for options to include with your novated lease.
