Car Care Tips for Summer in Pakistan: Beat the Heat

Pakistani summers are brutal on cars. With temperatures in South Punjab regularly crossing 45°C, engines run hotter, batteries fail faster and tyres are under more stress. These car care tips for summer in Pakistan will help you avoid breakdowns, keep your AC cold and protect your car's value.

1. Check the cooling system

Overheating is the most common summer breakdown. Before the peak heat:

• Check the coolant level in the reservoir when the engine is cold. Never open a hot radiator cap.
• Use proper coolant mixed as the manufacturer recommends, not just plain water — coolant protects against rust and raises the boiling point.
• Inspect radiator hoses for cracks, bulges or leaks.
• Make sure the radiator fan switches on when the engine is hot.
• Clean dust and insects from the radiator fins.

If the temperature gauge rises into the red: turn off the AC, turn the heater to full to pull heat from the engine, pull over safely and switch off. Let it cool before checking anything.

2. Service the AC before it fails

• Get the AC gas and compressor checked if cooling feels weak.
• Replace or clean the cabin air filter — a clogged filter reduces airflow and smells musty.
• Clean the condenser (in front of the radiator) so it can release heat properly.
• When you first get into a hot car, open the windows for a minute and drive with the AC on fresh air before switching to recirculation.

3. Look after the battery

Heat, not cold, is what shortens battery life. Check that terminals are clean and tight, and have the battery tested if it is more than two to three years old or the engine cranks slowly. A tired battery often gives no warning before it fails completely.

4. Tyres and tyre pressure

• Check pressure in the morning when tyres are cold. Use the pressure printed on the driver's door frame or in the manual.
• Under-inflated tyres overheat on hot roads and can burst on the motorway.
• Replace tyres with deep cracks or bulges, and check the manufacturing date — old rubber hardens in the heat.

5. Engine oil and filters

Change oil on time and use the grade your manual recommends. In hot, dusty and stop-go conditions, follow the "severe service" interval if your manual lists one. Replace the air filter often — dust clogs it quickly and reduces performance and fuel average.

6. Protect the paint and interior

• Park in the shade whenever possible, or use a good-quality car cover.
• Use a windscreen sunshade to protect the dashboard and steering wheel.
• Wash the car regularly to remove dust, which scratches paint when wiped dry.
• A coat of wax or sealant helps protect the paint from UV damage.

7. Things you should never leave in a hot car

• Lighters, perfume and aerosol cans — they can explode.
• Power banks and phones — heat damages lithium batteries.
• Plastic water bottles for drinking — they get extremely hot.
• And most importantly: never leave children or pets in a parked car, even for a few minutes.

8. Prepare for long trips

Before a highway trip in summer, check coolant, oil, tyres (including the spare), wipers and washer fluid. Carry drinking water, a phone charger and your mechanic's number. Avoid driving in the hottest afternoon hours if you can.

9. Warning signs you should not ignore

10. Getting ready for monsoon

After the peak heat comes the monsoon. Replace hardened wiper blades, check all lights, and make sure drain holes under the doors and around the windscreen are clear. Avoid driving through deep water — it can damage the engine and electronics, and flood-damaged cars lose a lot of value.

Summer maintenance checklist

A well-maintained car is safer, cheaper to run and sells for more. When it is time to upgrade, read how to sell your car fast, compare city cars in our Alto vs Cultus vs Wagon R guide, or browse cars available at Prime Motors.