After the summer holidays, your car may have covered considerably more kilometres than usual. Long journeys, high temperatures and heavier loads can all affect different components, making September a good time to carry out a basic vehicle check.
1. Tyres
Check tyre pressure when the tyres are cold and always follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. You should also inspect the tread, sidewalls and any signs of uneven wear.
High temperatures and long-distance driving can accelerate tyre wear. Correct pressure is also important for safety, handling and efficient fuel consumption.
You can learn more in our guide about how temperature affects tyre pressure and fuel consumption.
2. Fluids and battery
Check engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and windscreen washer fluid levels. An unexplained drop in any fluid should be inspected by a professional.
The battery also deserves attention because extreme temperatures can affect its performance. If the engine takes longer than usual to start, consider having the battery checked.
3. Brakes, lights and windscreen wipers
Unusual noises, vibrations or changes in brake pedal feel may indicate that the braking system needs attention.
Check that all vehicle lights are working correctly too, particularly as daylight hours become shorter.
Heat and direct sunlight can damage windscreen wiper rubber. If the blades leave streaks, make noise or fail to clear the glass evenly, they may need replacing.
Spain’s DGT recommends checking key vehicle components after the summer holidays.
For everyday vehicle care, you can also discover the different services available at ALAS Estaciones.