You seem like the kind of motorist who would take great care of their vehicle. Since snow, ice, and road salt can damage vehicles, you probably keep yours inside the garage for the whole winter.
Were you also aware that your car can suffer damage from the hot months? Driving on hot asphalt or being exposed to high temperatures can be taxing. Luckily, there are common sense precautions you can continue to ensure your car runs smoothly. By following these steps, find out how to keep your car cool and shaded this summer!
Maintenance of a Comfortable Temperature inside the Vehicle
It’s best to find a shady spot to park, but leaving a cracked window open can help if that’s impossible. Keep the window from being rolled down too much; this could be a security issue.
Putting a sunshade over the car windows when parking in the sun is another tried-and-true method for reducing interior temperatures. You should also cover your car with a heavy-duty silver tarp if you plan on leaving the car parked for more than an hour.
Repair Your Air Conditioner
On a hot day, the air conditioner in a car works the hardest. We are all aware that air conditioning systems require regular maintenance. The compressor’s protection can be improved by adding oil regularly. There are consistent leaks of coolant, and dirt and dust can cause system overload and failure. Therefore, before the heat of summer sets in, have a professional inspect your car’s air conditioning system.
During the warmer months, a typical gripe among automobile owners is that the air conditioning system takes too long to chill the interior. The amount of heat trapped in the automobile, especially when parked in the sun, makes the process of turning on the air conditioner slow.
Opening the car’s windows before getting in will help mitigate this problem. You should turn the fan to its highest level and let it run for a few minutes. When the temperature inside the car reaches the same level as the outside, it’s time to crank the air conditioning.
Constantly Check Your Tire Pressure
Despite their importance on the road, tyres are often overlooked. Some owners, however, aren’t even aware of the proper tire pressure. High temperatures and low air pressure during summer may quickly ruin car tires, which can have devastating effects.
Don’t forget to inspect the spare tire on your vehicle and ensure it has adequate air pressure in an emergency, especially on a hot summer day. Make sure the tires are aligned and maintained to prevent premature tread wear.
Make Sure You Maintain Your Radiator and Keep the Coolant at the Proper Level
In warm weather, hydration is essential for all living things. A high-quality coolant is a must if you want your car to make it through the summer. Overheating engines from lack of coolant is a significant cause of car breakdowns in the summer. You should always keep an eye on the refrigerant level in your automobile and add more if necessary.
Cars older than three years should have their radiators repaired, and any leaks should be checked before the summer is hazy. Use the appropriate coolant, too. It could be tempting to go with the cheaper alternative, but it could lead to issues.
Take a Look at the Fluid Levels in the Engine and the Transmission
Due to the high temperatures, the engine oil will be consumed rapidly. Nothing is more destructive to engine oil, mainly if your vehicle already contains old oil and has been partially degraded. Oil levels in the engine should be checked frequently, and the correct oil should be added as needed. You might also change the engine oil for a higher heat-resistant grade designed to maintain its viscosity and decrease wear and tear even under the harshest conditions. Check the power steering, brake, and gearbox fluid levels as well; these are all moving parts that could fail.
Conclusion
Extreme heat, such as that which you could experience while driving on scorching asphalt, can be exhausting. Keep your automobile cool and out of the sun this summer with these common sense measures. Before the summer heats up, have a technician check your car’s air conditioning.
Low temperatures and high air pressure can swiftly damage tires. Overheating engines due to a shortage of coolant during the summer is a common cause of vehicle breakdowns. Avoid unsafe driving conditions by keeping your tires properly aligned and maintained. Ensure the power steering, brakes, and transmission fluid levels are also checked.