As a car owner, you should take your car maintenance seriously to prevent unexpected breakdowns on the road. While most car owners are aware of annual car maintenance, they should also consider the seasonal maintenance of their cars. 

Yes, seasonal changes can affect your car’s performance. You may face frequent car issues if you fail to maintain your car with the changing seasons. 

Top Mercedes Mechanic Melbourne shares seasonal car maintenance tips, which will help you take care of your car, regardless of its model, every season. Also, these car maintenance tips will ensure your car’s best performance, whether driving on wet roads during rain or in an extremely hot summer.

Detailed checklist with seasonal car maintenance tips

Here is a checklist of things you should consider to maintain your car in different seasons: 

       1. Summer car care tips 

Australian summers can be hard on your vehicle. So, how do you maintain a summer car? Here are some summer car maintenance tips to follow: 

• Make sure to tune up all your fluids. That’s because the summer heat puts extra pressure on your car. Check the engine oil, coolant, wiper, transmission, and other fluids levels and refill them if needed. Also, check the filter while you are at it. 

• Inspect your tyres as the heat during summer causes them to expand and can burst them. To prevent this, keep the tyre pressure low during the warm season. Further, if you find your tyres are worn out inside and outside, get them aligned accordingly. 

• To prevent vehicle breakdown during the summer season, check the cooling system. With the onset of summer, flush out the car’s radiator and fill it with new coolant. Also, check if the hoses and fans are functioning properly. If required, seek professional assistance from a European vehicle services shop near you, as per your car’s model.

• A car’s air conditioning system is something that you cannot overlook during the hot season. So, clean the vents and other parts of the aircon unit and check if it’s blowing cool air. 

       2. Winter car care tips. 

Just like humans, winters are harsh for your vehicle as well. So, here are some winter car maintenance tips you should consider: 

• Flush out the regular coolant from your radiator and fill it with antifreeze to ensure the internal components of your car don’t freeze overnight. 

• If you are using all-season tyres, replacing them with winter tyres with 3PMSF, marking and a minimum of 4mm tread depth is advised. These tyres ensure safe driving during the winter season. 

• Like your AC unit in summer, your car’s heater should work properly during the winter. Since your vehicle’s heater remains unused from Spring to Fall, running a maintenance check is important to ensure it doesn’t freeze. 

       3. Spring car care tips.  

You should give your car a spring tune-up after it has endured a harsh winter. Besides, it’s also the best time to prepare your vehicle for the impending summer. Here are some car maintenance tips for the spring season:

• Check your car fluid levels, including engine oil, steering, coolant and windshield washer fluid. Top-up the fluids if required. 

• Brake performance can change due to continuous temperature fluctuations during winter months. Take your vehicle to the nearest mechanic for a thorough inspection of brake pads and fluid level. Get the brake system parts cleaned. 

• Clean your vehicle thoroughly from the outside while paying extra attention to the undercarriage - where grime and mud build up over the cold months. Also, if you have stone chips and scratches on your vehicle, treat them to prevent rust. 

• Apply a good wax coating on the external car surface to give it extra shine and protect it from the sun’s UV. 

• Just like external car cleaning, you should also clean your vehicle from the inside. Clean your seats and vacuum the upholstery. Clean the console for dust and dirt and empty the boot for unwanted items. Upon cleaning, spray a good car freshener or deodrant internally to remove the musty odour. 

• Check your wipers. If they are worn out, replace them to keep your visibility clear du

Car maintenance tips during the fall. 

The fall season presents favourable conditions for your vehicle. It’s neither as harsh as winters or summers, nor the transition from summer to fall is extreme. 

As such, there are no specific car maintenance tips during the fall. If you take care of your vehicle in all the other seasons and get it serviced annually, chances are it will perform at its best during the fall season. 

However, you must follow regular maintenance tips, such as checking your tyres, air filters, and vehicle fluids, including coolant and oil. 

Conclusion

Your car is a valuable asset you want to keep in good condition for as long as possible. As the seasons change, your European car's maintenance needs also change. It's essential to have a trusted car mechanic to maintain your vehicle. However, by following the seasonal car maintenance tips mentioned above, you can ensure a smooth transition for you and your car from one season to another. These tips will help your vehicle adjust to the changing weather conditions and be prepared to face the challenges of each season.

So, prioritise seasonal car maintenance for your vehicle's long life and enjoy a pleasing experience in all seasons with complete peace of mind.