Heading Down the Coast? Here's 5 Things You Must Check on Your Hyundai for Summer

There is nothing quite like a Queensland summer.

But there is also nothing quite like the pain of touching a seatbelt buckle that’s been baking in the sun for four hours.

It’s basically a branding iron. And don't even get us started on the steering wheel.

But we put up with the heat (and the sweat) for one big reason.

The esky is packed. The car is loaded. And you are ready to hit the M1 for a week of surf, sun, and prawns.

It is the best time of the year.

But there is one thing that can turn your dream holiday into a nightmare in seconds.

Seeing steam pour out from under your bonnet while you are stuck in gridlock on the Ipswich Motorway or the M1.

So, before you leave Brisbane behind and head for the beach, here are the 5 things you need to check on your Hyundai.

We put this first because it is the most important.

Driving in Queensland without air conditioning isn’t just uncomfortable; it’s dangerous. You don’t want to be halfway to the Sunshine Coast with the windows down, shouting over the wind noise while the kids melt in the back seat.

Turn it on today. Crank it to the coldest setting. Does it get icy cold within a minute? Or is it just blowing "slightly cool" air?

If it’s struggling now, it will definitely fail when you are stuck in holiday traffic on a 35-degree day.

People often forget that heat affects your tyres just as much as the engine.

The asphalt on the highway can get scorching hot. If your tyres are old, bald, or under-inflated, that heat builds up and can cause a blowout.

Do the "20 cent test." Stick a 20 cent coin into the tread of your tyre. If the tread doesn't reach the platypus’s bill, your tyres are bald and need replacing.

Also, check your pressures! A fully loaded car with luggage and passengers needs the right tyre pressure to handle safely.

Your engine works much harder in summer than in winter.

The cooling system is the only thing stopping your engine from turning into a giant paperweight.

Pop the bonnet (when the engine is cool!) and check the coolant reservoir. Is it sitting between the "Min" and "Max" lines?

While you are there, check the oil too. Oil is like blood for your engine—it keeps everything moving smoothly. If it’s low, your engine creates more friction, which creates more heat. And you definitely don’t want more heat.

Here is a fun fact: Heat kills more car batteries than cold does.

We usually only notice a dead battery in winter when the car won't start, but the damage is usually done during the summer. The heat evaporates the fluid inside the battery and damages the internal structure.

If your battery is more than 3 years old, it is living on borrowed time.

If your car sounds a bit "lazy" when you start it in the morning, get the battery tested before you leave. There is nothing worse than packing the car to come home from the beach, only to hear that dreaded "click-click-click" sound.

We all know the drill.

The days could go from a beautiful sunny day at 10 am, to an apocalyptic thunderstorm at 4 pm.

Queensland summer storms are intense. When the rain hits, it comes down hard. If your wiper blades are cracked, dry, or streaky, you will be driving blind.

Lift your wipers up and run your finger along the rubber edge. If it feels rough or crumbles, replace them immediately. It’s a cheap fix that could save your life in a downpour.

You have spent all year working hard for this break. You deserve to enjoy it without worrying about the car.

If you aren't sure about your tyres, your battery, or that weird noise the air con is making, bring it in to Llewellyn Hyundai Booval.

We are convenient for anyone in Ipswich, and just a quick trip for our customers in the western suburbs of Brisbane.

Our Service Centre team can give your car a once-over to make sure you get to the beach (and back) safely.

Book in online today or give us a call.

From the whole team at Llewellyn Hyundai, have a safe drive, watch out for the double demerits, and have a fantastic Christmas!

See you in 2026!