Euromaster recommends checking your tires, battery, and windshield wiper blades
In just a few days, Portugal has experienced a rapid transition from mild spring temperatures to typical summer highs, with maximum temperatures in several regions of the country already exceeding 30ºC. In light of these sudden temperature fluctuations, Euromaster, a specialist in comprehensive vehicle maintenance, recommends paying extra attention to three car components that are particularly sensitive to temperature changes.
Tires: A vehicle’s “shoes”—its only point of contact with the road—are essential for ensuring safety and good traction in all conditions. That’s why it’s crucial to check tire tread depth and pressure regularly.
When it comes to tire pressure, temperature fluctuations directly affect tire performance. As the temperature rises, air molecules move more quickly, causing the internal pressure to increase. For this reason, Euromaster recommends checking tire pressure at least once a month and always adjusting it according to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications, which are usually listed on the driver’s door frame.
Battery: It acts as the “heart” of the car and is particularly sensitive to temperature fluctuations. It can be affected by both low and high temperatures, especially above 28°C, a situation that has been occurring at this time of year in Portugal.
Therefore, in the face of seasonal changes or sudden temperature fluctuations, it is advisable to monitor the condition of the battery, as it is one of the components most prone to failure. Euromaster recommends an annual inspection, since malfunctions can occur without warning or obvious symptoms.
When the battery fails, the vehicle simply won't start. Although this isn't a complex problem, it can cause significant inconvenience to the driver, especially depending on where and when it happens.
Windshield wiper blades: This component also requires regular attention. Keeping it in good condition is essential to ensuring adequate visibility, both in front of and behind the vehicle. Euromaster recommends checking it at least once a year or after extended periods without rain, since dust and dirt can accumulate on the rubber.
Replacing the wiper blades usually costs between 10 and 50 euros, which also includes refilling the windshield washer fluid.
In addition, several consecutive days of high temperatures encourage the presence of insects, especially in rural and coastal areas, increasing the likelihood of them hitting the windshield and impairing visibility while driving. Keeping your windshield wipers in good condition is therefore essential at any time of year.
The use of the windshield washer system is also a key factor in road safety. Longer trips and an increase in insects on the road lead to a faster buildup of dirt on the windshield, reducing the driver's visibility.
For this reason, experts recommend regularly checking the windshield washer fluid level and using specific products that help effectively remove insect residue and other dirt.