Summer Car Care- Our Top Tips To Keep You On The Road This Summer.

We all know the importance of looking after our cars in the winter to ensure they stay road worthy and we don't end up stranded on the side of the road in the shivering cold- but it's just as important to keep up the same car maintenance during the warmer months of summer. We have put together our top tips to help you make the most of summer and enjoy all those holiday road trips!

1. Check your battery & battery fluid

One of the most common reasons for cars breaking down, is battery failure! This can be easily avoided with good and consistent car maintenance. Did you know that excessive temperatures can shorten the life of your car battery? If it isn't correctly sealed, the electrolyte can evaporate more quickly- leaving you with a failing battery and a car going nowhere fast!

So take the time to regularly check the fluid level in your car’s battery and top up with distilled water if necessary.

2. Don't forget your air-conditioning

We may not always get the hottest summers here, but effective air con is still a must, especially with young children, elderly or pets in the car - no-one enjoys a journey in a warm and stuffy car!

Most manufacturers recommend that you get your air-con system re-gassed at least every two years, and this usually isn't included as part of standard servicing, so if you own an older car chances are it is overdue an air-con re-gas.

Maintaining your air-con system also keeps the air cleaner, more breathable and less likely to cause colds and flus with the bacteria that can build up. Don't forget to use the air-con regularly and throughout the year – the fluid in the system lubricates the washers and seals, and without regular use the gas can leak.

3. Don't let your tyres put you under pressure

Did you know that warmer & hot weather increases the air pressure in your tyres? This could cause more strain on those weaker areas, and even cause a puncture. Over-inflating your tyres could also cause them to wear more quickly, and have a higher chance of 'bow-outs'.

Your tyres are one of the most important parts of your vehicle, so make sure and always check your car's tyre pressure and thread wear. Tyre pressure is best checked when the tyres are cold, and Donnelly Group garages will check the thread of your tyres for free, to help keep you safe on the road.

4. Regular servicing & maintenance

Regular servicing & maintenance of your car keeps you safe on the road, as well as helps avoid major repair work and cost. If you spend your summer holidays on 'stay-cations' or use your vehicle for travelling longer miles than usual, make sure and treat it to a little extra TLC before you take off, reducing the chances of a breakdown and spoiling your holidays!

Donnelly Group offer a range of service plans across our brands, and even offer 'Repair Now Pay Later' finance options for those surprise repairs that unfortunately can happen.

5. Your car belt is not an accessory

Your car will have more than one drivebelt in the engine bay, and each of them play vital roles in making your car run, driving the alternator, air-con compressor and water and steering pumps. These should be able to be checked visually and don't forget the colling fan; this can be checked to ensure it is working properly by running the engine for five minutes when it’s already warm and listening for the fan kicking in.

Last but not least

Finally, our last tip: BE PREPARED!

Always plan ahead for longer journeys, stock up with necessities such as bottled water, puncture repair kit and have a spare tyre available.

Take note of our Accident Management helpline numbers- unfortunately accidents do happen, but Donnelly Group is there to help you every step of the way.

Check out our range of service & maintenance offers here

To find out more about Donnelly Group after sales, call our visit your nearest showroom:

Ballymena: 028 2544 0620

Belfast: 028 9590 0223

Dungannon M1: 028 8744 0705

Dungannon Moy Rd: 028 8744 0705

Eglinton: 028 7122 9420

Enniskillen: 028 6633 0365

Mallusk: 028 9590 7846

Omagh: 028 8244 0514

Our attention to detail, good service, outstanding value and respect for all are just some of the qualities that instill trust within our customers who return to the Donnelly Group year after year and generation after generation.

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Company Info

Company Information

Reg Office: 59 Moy Road, Dungannon, Co Tyrone BT71 7DT

Reg. Company Number: NI 643

VAT Reg. No. GB366303068

Financial Disclosure
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website, however, errors may occur. Do not rely entirely on this information but check with your centre about items which may affect your decision to purchase. Donnelly Group are a credit broker and not a lender, licensed by the Financial Conduct Authority as a credit intermediary. Depending on what you intend to purchase, we can introduce you to a limited number of lenders and their finance products which may have different rates and charges and who may be able to finance your purchase. We can only introduce you to these lenders. We do not charge you a fee for our services. Whichever lender we introduce you to, we will typically receive commission from them, either a fixed fee or a fixed % of the amount you borrow. The lenders we work with could pay commission at different rates however the commission that we receive from a lender does not have an effect on the amount that you pay that lender under your credit agreement. We are not an independent financial adviser and so are unable to provide you with independent financial advice. No advice or recommendation will be made.

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