Tips to Better Prepare Your Land Rover SUV for Summer

While spring has only begun to arrive in Montreal, summer will be with us quicker than it might seem. Getting your Land Rover SUV ready for summer adventures is essential for optimal performance and enjoyment. Here are some tips to ensure your vehicle is primed and prepared for the warmer months ahead:

Check the Cooling System

Make sure your radiator is clean and free from debris. Inspect hoses and belts for any signs of wear and tear. Consider having the coolant drained and refilled if necessary to prevent overheating during hot summer drives, especially if you use your Land Rover to tow.

Inspect the Air Conditioning

Test your air conditioning system to ensure it's blowing cold air. If it's not cooling effectively, it may need recharging or repairs. During a visit to our service department, our technicians can also take a look at your cabin air filter and replace it if necessary in order to avoid unpleasant odours from the ventilation system.

Make sure your tires are in good condition

Check the pressure and tread depth of all of your summer tires to ensure optimal traction and fuel efficiency in the coming months. If your vehicle is equipped with a spare tire, don’t forget to give it a look as well. Under or over-inflated tires can negatively affect the handling of your vehicle, in addition to shortening their useful life. If necessary, our service department can perform a tire rotation to make sure that all of your tires are getting worn at the same rate, thus prolonging the life of your set. If they are in need of replacement, our tire center can assist you in picking the best tires for your vehicle and your driving needs.

Service the Battery

While winter is the harshest season for batteries, it is worth remembering that high temperatures can also be tough on car batteries. To avoid getting stranded by a dead battery, have it tested to ensure it's holding a charge and replace it if necessary. At the same time, our technicians can inspect the charging system to make sure it is in good working order, giving you another thing less to worry about.

Inspect Fluid Levels

Check all fluid levels, including engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, and power steering fluid. If any fluids appear low or contaminated, have the associated system checked for leaks and have the liquids topped up or replaced.

Clean and Wax the Exterior

Give your Land Rover a thorough wash to remove winter grime and salt buildup. Apply a coat of wax to protect the paint from the sun's UV rays and keep it looking shiny all summer long. If you prefer, our detailing experts can take care of your Land Rover by making it look new again and protecting its appearance.

Check Your Wiper Blades

Summer rainstorms can pop up unexpectedly, so make sure your wiper blades are in good condition for clear visibility. Replace any worn-out blades to ensure they effectively clear your windshield and your rear window.

Inspect Brakes

With the quantity of salt and contaminants used to keep our roads safe over winter, it is very important to have your Land Rover’s braking system checked and serviced once spring has arrived to ensure its performance, and therefore, your safety. Indeed, braking components are more vulnerable to rust build-up due to their location on the vehicle, which is why an inspection and cleaning are recommended.

Test Lights and Signals

The beginning of spring is a great time to check all of your vehicle’s exterior lights, including headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. While most recent Land Rover models are equipped with LED headlamps that don’t require frequent bulb replacement, it is always better to make sure that all of the lighting equipment is in good condition, especially before a long trip.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

As you gear up for summer road trips, pack an emergency kit with essentials like water, non-perishable snacks, a first aid kit, a flashlight, jumper cables, and a basic toolkit. These items, which don’t take much space in your Land Rover, will help you be ready for any emergency that might arise when you are driving, which is especially important if you intend to venture away from densely populated areas.

By following these tips and performing regular maintenance, you can keep your Land Rover SUV running smoothly and ready to tackle any summer adventure that comes your way.