Your vehicle may suffer a significant decrease in performance if you drive in extreme heat. For this reason, you should prepare your car for the hot summer months just as you would for the chilly winter months. Here are a few precautions to take and maintenance tasks to perform before summer hits to keep your car in top shape and ready to roll.
Mechanical cooling system
As a first step, double-check that the air conditioner is in good functioning order. In the event that the air conditioner is emitting warmer than typical air, maintenance should be sought. It’s important to check your air conditioner before a heat wave hits so that you’re not left sweating it out.
Make Sure the Coolant Level Is Up
Your car’s coolant has to work harder in the summer to keep the engine from overheating because the engine is already heated. If required, flush out your car’s coolant system and have it inspected. It’s not a good idea to take the risk of opening the radiator cap while the car is still hot. It’s best to wait at least an hour after the car has stopped moving before removing the lid. If your car is beyond repair and maintenance then it’s better to sell your car to local wreckers .
Avoiding Overheating Your Vehicle
Numerous products exist that can be used to seal vinyl or leather against wear and tear. A car that is kept clean and shining during the summer months is more effective at reflecting the sun’s rays than one that is allowed to accumulate dirt and grime. While washing your car, apply a coat of wax to further shield the paint from the sun’s rays.
Places to Park That Provide Some Coolness
During the hot summer months, it’s best to park your car somewhere that offers plenty of shade to prevent overheating. It is also recommended to utilize a windshield sun shade to lessen the heat inside the car. In addition to shielding your car from the sun, parking in the shade will make getting inside much more bearable on steamy summer days.
Flip the Car’s Windows Open
Make sure you don’t leave your kids or pets inside a hot car this summer. Please make sure all windows are open if you must leave people in the car.
Make sure the car’s battery is in good shape.
The battery in your car will quickly die if subjected to excessive heat or vibrations. While you can’t do much about the heat, you can reduce or eliminate vibrations by making sure the battery is snug beneath the hood. A battery needs to be checked frequently for optimal performance.
Adjust the Tire Pressure to the Correct Level
Tires that are not properly inflated are more susceptible to heat damage if driven on during the summer. High tire pressure caused by the heat can cause the tires to overheat, which in turn reduces the vehicle’s stopping distance, handling, and gas mileage.
These are the things to consider if you want to protect your vehicle during the summer season.