Audi Qatar has advised all car owners to perform routine maintenance to ensure a hassle-free road experience during the summer.
From overheating to tyre bursts and wear and tear, a vehicle is prone to a considerable amount of damage this time of year. A simple car check can prevent casualties, say safety experts from Audi Qatar.
During summer, tyres are automatically stressed and as a result become more recalcitrant. This increases the risk of a possible blowout that can have fatal consequences while driving. “To avoid unpleasant incidents, it is recommended to regularly monitor tyres and tyre pressure,” Audi Qatar said in a statement yesterday.
Audi service manager Michel Youssef said: “While servicing your car, make sure you also check the depth of treads on your tyre. Driving with low-depth tread tyres is dangerous as they lead to tyre failure. Also, check if your tyres have suffered any wear and tear, and replace them immediately.”
Extreme heat also takes a toll on the engine’s belts and hoses. Under high temperatures, these flexible materials may suffer cracks, bulges, frays and excessive wear and tear, and must be replaced immediately to prevent the car from overheating, the statement noted.
“The same holds true for your brakes,” added Youssef. “At Audi, we recommend a minimum thickness of 9mm for your brake pad. If you notice a loss in grip while braking, or if your car screeches when coming to a halt, it’s time you check your brakes.”  
It is also imperative that a vehicle is sufficiently cooled to withstand the rising temperature. Summer conditions can heat up even advanced engines to over 100 degrees, which can lead to the engine’s malfunctioning. Using a superior-quality coolant can help evade this situation, but one must also ensure that the coolant tank is in perfect condition without any leaks, it is advised.
It is recommended that any corrosive residue from the battery terminals and cable clamps be cleaned. Further, one has to ensure that the car battery is firmly secured; when batteries begin to vibrate, there are chances of an internal breakdown and subsequent failure.
A car should also be equipped with a well-functioning air-conditioner to ensure a comfortable journey. Routine checks of air filters and radiators are also required to maintain a normal coolant level.
Audi Qatar offers round-the-clock assistance through service mobility options such as the Audi Assist breakdown service, vehicle collection and delivery service, customer “drop-back” service and Service Mobiles for on-site diagnosis and repair.