Ankara Car Rental Summer Maintenance and Tire Guide 2026

In Ankara, the summer months bring high temperatures, long-distance journeys, and heavy traffic conditions that directly affect the car rental experience. Drivers using Ankara car rental services must pay attention to the vehicle's maintenance condition and tire selection during the summer period, as this is critical for both safety and comfort. In this guide, we thoroughly cover the maintenance aspects and tire selection to consider for summer trips with a rental car.

Maintenance Responsibilities for Summer Car Rental

Although car rental contracts generally leave maintenance responsibility to the rental company, maintaining the general condition of the vehicle during the rental period is the renter's responsibility. Especially when you rent a car in Ankara, understanding the effects of summer and taking necessary precautions provides you with both a safe drive and protection from potential damage costs.

Rental Company's Maintenance Obligations

During rental periods, periodic maintenance, oil changes, and filter replacements are usually handled by the company. However, for short-term rentals, the maintenance interval may not have been reached yet. At this point, it is important to check the maintenance status when picking up the vehicle and to clarify the maintenance clauses in the contract.

What the Renter Should Pay Attention To

In long-term rentals, it is the renter's responsibility to monitor the vehicle's cooling system, brake fluid, battery condition, and checks related to road safety. Ankara's summer temperatures reaching 35-40°C can strain the vehicle's cooling system. It is recommended to perform the following checks:

Coolant level: Ensure the coolant in the radiator reservoir is between the minimum and maximum lines.
Engine oil check: Check the engine oil level and color with the dipstick. Dark and dirty oil indicates it's time for a change.
Brake fluid: If the brake fluid level is low, brake performance can be seriously affected in summer heat.
Windshield washer fluid: Keep enough washer fluid for summer dust and insects.

Tire Selection and Importance in Ankara Summer Temperatures

Summer tires perform best at air temperatures above 7°C. In Ankara car rental processes, knowing whether the rental vehicle has summer tires or all-season tires is one of the fundamental elements for safe driving. Tire selection, as much as vehicle class selection, directly determines your road safety.

Summer tire tread detail on hot asphalt

Summer Tires vs All-Season Tires

Summer tires provide superior road holding on hot asphalt thanks to their hard rubber compounds and special tread patterns. All-season tires, on the other hand, offer moderate performance in all conditions and may not provide maximum grip in summer. In Ankara's summer conditions, especially in heavy traffic areas like Kızılay, Çankaya, and Eskişehir road, summer tires should be preferred.

Advantages of Summer Tires

Short braking distance on hot asphalt
Water drainage and resistance on wet surfaces
Fuel savings with lower rolling resistance
Stable road holding at high speeds

Limitations of All-Season Tires

Braking distance increases on hot asphalt
Risk of rubber softening in extreme heat
Increased risk of aquaplaning in puddles
Loss of road holding may occur at high speeds

Tire Pressure Checks

Rising temperatures in summer naturally increase tire pressure. For every 10°C increase in temperature, tire pressure increases by approximately 0.07-0.1 bar. Ankara car rental users should check tire pressures in line with manufacturer recommendations, especially before long journeys. Low pressure leads to overheating, while high pressure causes center wear.

The most accurate method is to check tire pressure early in the morning on cold tires. Measurements taken on hot tires after a long journey can be misleading. Free air compressors are available at fuel stations in Ankara; make it a habit to check regularly.

Summer Driving and Maintenance Tips in Ankara

Ankara's summer conditions, with its city traffic and intercity roads, offer a unique driving experience. Below, you can find practical tips to consider during the summer period when renting a car in Ankara.

Summer engine cooling and oil check

Cooling System and Air Conditioning

In Ankara, driving without air conditioning in the summer months is almost impossible. The air conditioning compressor places an additional load on the cooling system. Therefore:

Have the air conditioning gas level checked; insufficient gas reduces cooling performance.
Ensure the radiator fins are clean; insect and dust accumulation hinders heat dissipation.
On long climbs (especially like Elmadağ pass), turn off the air conditioning and monitor the temperature gauge.
Check that the cooling fan operates at idle in hot conditions.

Brake System and Summer Performance

In summer, brakes face the risk of overheating due to high temperatures and long descents. In Ankara city traffic conditions, frequent braking is inevitable and this can cause premature wear of brake pads.

If you notice softening or vibration in the brake pedal, inform the rental company.
Use engine braking on long descents; do not keep pressing the brake pedal continuously.
If the brake fluid color has darkened, it may be time for a change.
Check that the handbrake works properly; it is important against the risk of rolling when parked.

Battery and Electrical Systems

Summer temperatures accelerate the evaporation of battery electrolyte. This effect is more pronounced in Ankara's dry climate. Battery weakening may occur in vehicles parked for long periods. Checking the battery indicator when picking up the rental car and avoiding unnecessary electrical consumption during long-term parking preserves battery life.

Summer Routes Around Ankara and Maintenance Preparation

Popular routes taken from Ankara in the summer period highlight vehicle maintenance. You can plan your route by reviewing our intercity highway and toll fees guide. Here are popular routes that require preparation for the summer period:

Beypazarı and Ayaş Route

Beypazarı and Ayaş, northwest of Ankara, are favorite stops for summer weekend getaways. Narrow and winding roads strain the vehicle's brake and tire systems. Before setting out on this route, be sure to check the brake pads and tire tread depth.

Elmadağ and Kırıkkale Direction

When heading towards Kırıkkale via the D-200 highway, the Elmadağ pass should be taken into account. Uphill climbs in summer heat strain the cooling system. It is important to monitor the water temperature gauge and turn off the air conditioning if necessary.

Eskişehir Road (D-200)

For those traveling regularly between Ankara and Eskişehir, the D-200 road is one of the most used routes in summer. Although it is suitable for high-speed driving with its straight and long stretches, the asphalt temperature can reach 60°C. In these conditions, tire pressure and tread depth are critical safety factors.

Summer Maintenance Checklist for Rental Cars

By applying the following checklist during your Ankara car rental process, before vehicle pick-up and return, you can minimize both your safety risks and potential damage costs.

Pick-up Check

Check the coolant level and inform the rental company if it is low.
Remove the engine oil dipstick and check the level and color.
Measure tire pressures and compare with manufacturer recommendations.
Check tire tread depth; 1.6 mm is the legal minimum, 3 mm is the recommended minimum for summer.
Check the brake fluid level and color.
Test the air conditioning operation; verify cooling performance.
Check the battery indicator and charging light.
Photograph damage records and attach them to the pick-up form.

Points to Note During Use

Check tire pressures before every long journey.
In hot weather, park the vehicle in the shade if possible; interior temperature is important for both comfort and electronic systems.
On long journeys, take a break every 2 hours; it reduces engine cooling and fatigue risk.
Watch out for puddles after rain; the risk of aquaplaning is high in summer rains.
Summer storms and sudden downpours can occur in Ankara; follow the weather forecast.

Pre-Return Checks

Wash the vehicle to make exterior damage clearly visible.
Check for unusual wear on the tires.
Clean the interior; summer sand and dust may be considered damage.
Document the mileage record and maintenance status.
Refuel to the level specified in the contract conditions.

Economical Car Rental and Maintenance Costs in Ankara During Summer

The summer season is the period of highest demand for car rental. Making early reservations in economy car classes reduces both the daily rental rate and maintenance risk. Since small-engine vehicles consume more fuel under the load of air conditioning in summer conditions, mid-size cars can offer a more balanced experience for summer driving in Ankara.

Fuel Savings and Maintenance Relationship

Correct tire pressure, a clean air filter, and a properly tuned engine can reduce fuel consumption by 5-15%. Ankara car rental users can save on both fuel and potential damage costs with these simple checks. Especially in long-term rentals, this percentage can make a significant difference on a monthly basis.

Damage Insurance and Summer Risks

Increased traffic density and tourist influx during the summer period raise the risk of accidents. Full comprehensive insurance (CDW) is especially recommended in summer months. Tire damage is usually not covered by basic insurance; tire and glass damage insurance can be purchased separately. Since Ankara's rough roads and construction zones increase the risk of tire damage, it makes sense to consider this additional coverage.

Common Mistakes in Summer Vehicle Maintenance

Most drivers limit summer maintenance to just air conditioning and windshield washer fluid. However, the following mistakes are common and potentially dangerous:

Insufficient Coolant Check

It is necessary to check not only the coolant level but also its concentration. Coolant diluted with water lowers the boiling point and causes overheating in summer heat. The original concentration should generally be 50% antifreeze-50% water.

Neglecting Oil Level and Viscosity

In summer heat, oil viscosity decreases; thin oil cannot form a sufficient film layer and engine wear begins. In long-term rental contracts, it is important to clarify the oil change interval and viscosity grade in the contract. In Ankara's summer heat, 5W-30 or 5W-40 viscosity is recommended.

Skipping Tire Checks

Tire tread depth check is vital not only in winter but also in summer. Worn tires increase braking distance even on hot asphalt and raise the risk of aquaplaning on wet surfaces. Although the legal minimum is 1.6 mm, tread depth below 3 mm is not safe in summer conditions.

Conclusion: Prepare for a Safe and Comfortable Summer Drive in Ankara

Making the Ankara car rental experience safe and enjoyable in the summer months is possible by paying attention to basic maintenance knowledge and tire selection. From cooling system checks to tire pressure adjustment, from brake performance to air conditioning maintenance, every detail ensures both your safety and a smooth rental process.

By applying our summer maintenance and tire guide, you can make your journey safer on Ankara's hot summer days. As Fores Car Rental, we perform summer maintenance checks on all our vehicles and offer a safe driving experience. You can check vehicle information via e-Devlet and follow your travel information on the General Directorate of Highways current road conditions page.

For your summer car rental needs in Ankara, discover the Fores Car Rental difference and enjoy a safe drive.