Is Your Car Ready for a Canberra Summer?
October 28, 2026
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Canberra summers are no joke. With days regularly pushing into the high 30s, hot bitumen, long drives to the coast and the odd dramatic afternoon storm, your car works harder from November to March than at almost any other time of year. A quick check now can save you a breakdown (and a stressful trip) later.
1. Air conditioning
If your aircon is blowing weak or smells musty, don’t wait for the first heatwave. A service now can catch low refrigerant, a blocked cabin filter or a failing compressor while it’s still a simple fix.
2. Cooling system
Coolant level and condition matter most when the mercury climbs. Low or old coolant is one of the most common causes of summer overheating, especially when you’re towing or sitting in holiday traffic.
3. Battery
Heat is tougher on batteries than cold. If yours is more than a few years old, a quick test will tell you whether it’s up to another summer.
4. Tyres
Hot roads increase tyre wear and pressure. Check tread depth, look for cracks or bulges, and set pressures to the figures on your tyre placard, ideally when the tyres are cold. If you’re packing the car for a road trip, check whether the pressures need adjusting for the extra load.
5. Wipers and brakes
Summer storms can roll in fast, and worn wiper blades make for a nervous drive home. It’s also a good time to have your brakes inspected, particularly before long trips or steep descents.
Hybrid and electric owners
Heat affects battery performance and cooling too. If you drive a Ford, Volkswagen or Chery hybrid or electric model, ask our team to check the battery cooling system and software are up to date, and get the most out of your range over summer.
Our service teams look after all makes and models including Ford, Volskwagen, Holden and Chery, and we’ll check each of these items as part of your service. Contact the Gerald Slaven service team today to lock in a time before the school holiday rush, and head into summer with confidence.
