If you change your tires seasonally, remove your winter tires and fit your summer ones once the temperatures are regularly above 10 °C. Your summer tires are designed to perform on wet or dry roads in mild weather. Once you’ve removed your winter tires, be sure to store them correctly. They should be on their sides and kept in special storage bags. Your dealer may be able to help you with off-season storage.

It’s important to keep the fluids in your vehicle at the right levels. You might even consider using a slightly thicker oil compound for summer, which can better withstand the heat.
Carry out regular checks of windshield wiper fluid, coolant, and brake fluid.

Warm weather means that your tires lose pressure in summer at twice the rate they do in winter. Be sure to check your tire pressure more often as temperatures rise.
Underinflated tires generate more heat as they roll. Driving on them reduces your fuel economy.

Summer temperatures sometimes mean your battery works harder, especially if you’ve had it for a few years. It’s a good idea to have a professional check it. It might just need a recharge, or it could be time for a new one.

Summer weather can be rough, too. Heavy rains, fog, strong winds, and even extreme weather like hurricanes and tornadoes can all be part of the warmer months. Be ready to deal with skids, and learn about making steering corrections in strong winds.

It’s a good idea to use a dedicated winter tire if you get anything more than a light occasional snowfall in winter, or if your temperatures are frequently below 7 °C. Summer tires are less suitable on winter roads, but a winter tire can help your car perform all through the colder months.

Your brake performance is vital all year, and especially in the colder months. Make sure to check them before you hit the winter roads. Be ready for cold morning starts by checking your defroster and heater.

Be sure to use a wiper fluid made to get you through winter, and keep an eye on the level. It might be a good idea to get a fresh set of wiper blades before winter begins, so you’ll be ready to clear ice and snow from the windshield. Look after your coolant system by keeping track of your antifreeze. The system should contain a 50/50 water-to-antifreeze ratio. Get it checked at a local garage or buy a tester kit.

The thicker oil you might be using for summer months is less suitable in winter. You can get winter grade oil that will help ready you for cold starts on winter mornings. Have your oil changed before the temperatures drop.

Winter roads are made safer with salt and chemicals, but these can corrode your vehicle over time. You’ll also want to maintain visibility by keeping windshield and windows clean. Wash your vehicle down regularly, especially if you start to notice any buildup.

Leave extra time for each journey so you can drive more slowly on slippery roads or in bad weather. It’s important to give other vehicles plenty of room on the road, so don’t get too close to the vehicle in front of you. Even well maintained roads bring slippery snow and ice, so learn how to handle skids.