As an RAA approved repair DPP are proud to display that trusted yellow sign above our workshops. In the interest of keeping you and your car in the best possible shape this silly season, we’ve borrowed a few tips from our friends at RAA (and added a few of our own).

South Australia enjoys beautiful summer weather, but the rising temperatures can be scorching at times and our cars don’t always cope. To prevent a breakdown and avoid being stuck on the side of the road, consider these tips.

Understand the signs

Pull over immediately if you detect a burning smell or see steam or smoke coming from the engine. If you don’t, you run the risk of permanently damaging your engine and it could end up costing you a lot more than an annoying delay on the side of the road.

Remember to check your instruments regularly, and stop immediately if the gauge shows an unusual reading – very high or very low.

Electrical system

The main causes of heat related breakdowns are failures of the cooling and electrical systems. The stress put on the electrical system, especially the battery, can be hard to predict. Luckily, all RAA Road Service patrols carry RAA Batteries, and will deliver and fit them for members at no extra cost by simply phoning 13 11 11.

Cooling system

Look at the hoses and drive belts for cracks, wear and tear.
When the engine is cold, check the level and condition of the coolant.
Externally look for at the radiator core for insects and other blockages and clean them out by hosing down. Don’t attempt to brush the core, as the fragile cooling fins could be damaged.
Don’t ever try to drive in an overheated car as you risk damaging the engine. If you can’t find the problem, let the car completely cool down, check the coolant level and either have the car checked at the nearest service station, or call for RAA Road Service on 13 11 11.

Air Conditioning

Make sure your air-conditioning is working efficiently. If in doubt, have it checked by a qualified professional. The most important benefit of effective air-conditioning is that it reduces driver fatigue, keeping the driver alert, refreshed and more comfortable.

Storing Your Car

With the sun beating down for 14 hours non-stop it can take a serious toll on your car’s paint work. Though it might not show immediately, after hours of baking in the sun your car’s paint takes some serious damage. Even after just a week of sitting in the sun the protective top layer starts to weaken, leaving the coloured layer exposed to the harsh UV rays of the South Australian sun. Over time this will lead to not only paint fade, but will leave the paint work exposed to damage from other elements, and come winter can lead to rust. While there isn’t a whole lot you can do except park in the shade, if you do have to store your car in the sun for any length of time, try a car cover. Available at cheap as chips and most good auto stores.

Got a Dent or Scratch? Come in and see us today, or give us a call at 8362 3882 we’d love to hear from you!

Woodside:

Woodside, Woodside North, Lobethal, Birdwood, Mount Torrens, Lenswood, Charleston, Cherryville, Oakbank, Balhannah, Harrogate, Brukunga, Bridgewater, Hahndorf, Mount Barker, Nairne, Littlehampton, Gumeracha, Cudlee Creek, Uraidla, Adelaide Hills, Mount Pleasant, Mannum, Kanmantoo, Wistow, Stirling, Aldgate, Crafers.

Contact us at Woodside today to discuss your crash repair needs.

Stepney:

Stepney, magill, norwood, St. Morris, College Park, Maylands, Kent town, Adelaide, Trinity Gardens, Kensington, Kensington Gardens, Kensington Park, Rostrevor, North Adelaide, Hackney, Evandale, Gilberton, Walkerville, Rose Park, Toorak Gardens, Leabrook, Rosslyn Park, Burnside, Wattle Park, Beulah Park, Payneham, Payneham South, Newton, Marden, Royston Park, Walkerville, Eastwood, Dulwich, Glenside, Tusmore, Heathpool, Vale Park, Parkside, Eastwood.

Contact us at Stepney today to discuss your crash repair needs.