Heat wave and your vehicle

Your vehicle should be ready to handle the heat during hot summer months. It is best to prevent your car from breaking down. These are five tips to help protect your car from the heat.

Verify Your Battery

Car batteries don't like scorching hot temperatures. Check your car's battery before it gets too hot. When it gets hot, battery fluid evaporates quickly so be sure to check the battery terminals regularly and clean up any corrosion.

Keep fluids topped up

You should check your fluids when there is a heat wave as they can help cool the engine. This includes the motor oil, brake and transmission fluids, as well as power steering fluid. Low fluids make it harder to heat the engine's parts.

Is your engine coolant due for replacement? Check your owner's handbook to determine if it is time to change the coolant. You can also make sure that it's at the correct level.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

You should try to find a shaded spot, a underground parking area or one that is protected from the direct sun when you search for parking spots. You can also leave your windows open for a couple of inches. For security purposes, tinted visors are available that reflect light and make it less obvious your windows are closed.

Use a Sun Shade

For those rare occasions when it is impossible to avoid the sun, it is a good idea keep a windshield shading on hand. Windshields not only keep your car cool but also protect it from the harmful effects of the sun on the car's interior. Your car's dashboard could become cracked or dry if it is allowed to bake in direct sunlight.

Keep your vehicle clean and protected

To minimize glare and protect your dash, use a detailing product. For keeping your car seats cool, you can use seat covers. Leather seats should be kept dry during hot weather in order to avoid cracking.

The exterior of your vehicle can be damaged by heat and sunlight. A wax job is an excellent way to protect your vehicle against the damaging UV rays of the sun.

Maintenance of your tires, hoses and belts

When the pavement is hot, it can lead to underinflated tires. This could potentially cause a blowout. Hot weather can also make hoses or drive belts more vulnerable to failure. Inspect them regularly to ensure that they are in good shape and have no cracking, or any other signs of deterioration.

Contact Us Today to Learn More About Protecting Your Car from Summer Heat