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How to get your car ready for summer

Published on 24/5/2025

The big clean is almost over and the pruning is finished. Your garden, terrace, or balcony is looking its best. Inside, everything is sparkling like new, too. In short, let the beautiful days come! Days when you can get away from it all.

 

But is your car ready for the best months of the year?

 

In this blog post, we'll take you through a few points of attention that will provide extra summer driving pleasure in complete safety.

Think of your tires

As soon as the weather warms up, winter tires increase braking distances, making them less safe. They also wear out faster and increase fuel consumption.

 

Summer tires are recommended from March or April to November. They provide better traction, more grip, and protection from aquaplaning.

 

When should you change them? As soon as the weather forecast regularly predicts temperatures of 10°C.

  • Check your car's recommended tire pressure
  • Check it using a device at a gas station
  • Will you be carrying a heavier load than usual? If so, add a little extra pressure.

 

Tip: Check your tire pressure once a month.

Don't forget these fluids

  1. Oil level

    Do you drive on petrol or diesel? Checking the oil level, just like checking the tyre pressure, is a good habit. Not only in the run-up to summer, but also all year round.

    It is best to check the oil level with a cold engine. To do this, dip the stick into the reservoir and see if the correct level is reached. If necessary, supplement to the maximum.

  2. Coolant and brake fluid

    Check if there is enough coolant in the reservoir and top up if necessary. Because an overheated engine is guaranteed to put a damper on summer fun.

    The same goes for brake fluid: if the level is below the minimum line, then it is time to top up to the maximum.

  3. Windscreen wiper fluid

    It is essential for your safety to have enough windscreen wiper fluid in the reservoir, especially when insects, pollen and dust prevail in spring and summer. So always keep a stock of the right fluid in your car.

    And don’t drive for too long with the same windscreen wipers. In many cases, they haven't been wiping properly for a long time before they are replaced. Only the right windscreen wiper fluid and wipers in good condition guarantee optimum visibility.

Check your airconditioning

Air conditioning is absolutely indispensable on sunny days. It's strange that this essential car component is sometimes overlooked during servicing.

 

The result is fogged-up windows, mold growth, and high repair costs. You may then find yourself stuck in a sweltering traffic jam on a beautiful sunny day!

 

Schedule an appointment to have your air conditioning checked at the garage. It's best to do this before going on a trip or vacation. The coolant level drops by 8 to 10% every year. This results in a loss of pressure, so the car's air conditioning cools less effectively.

 

If the coolant level drops below 70%, there is a greater chance that the air conditioning system will malfunction.

Check your vehicle documents

Defects and accidents are always possible. Murphy won't be idle just because summer is coming. You certainly don't want to experience the panic of searching for a roadside assistance number on an unfamiliar road. Nor do you want to realize that you don't have the correct car documents.

 

Tip: Use the Alphabet app to ensure you have all the necessary information and documents on hand.

 

Download the free app to your smartphone. It offers you and authorized users of your vehicle a wide range of services and support. Your insurance? Check! Reporting damage in case of accidents? Check! Service partners who can help you? Check!

 

Discover the Alphabet App

Going abroad? Order your vignette in good time

Be aware of compulsory vignettes in countries or cities you visit or pass through, such as Germany, Spain, and France, to avoid fines.

 

Order your vignette in advance. It may take a few days to a week to receive your vignette.

 

Make sure that the website you use is secure and offers the correct prices. Also, use your own address when ordering your vignette. Do not use Alphabet's address.

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