Levi KeswickClear skies, warm weather, and unhindered roads make the summertime the best time to go for a drive. However, it’s a mistake to think that the summer doesn’t pose just as many challenges for your car as the winter season does. Let us teach you a few ways to protect your car from the summer heat to help preserve the condition and lifespan of your vehicle.
Checking Tire Pressure
Having over or underinflated tires on hot pavement is a recipe for disaster. The friction from braking is liable to be the breaking point where your tires blow out. The reason this is relevant is that the temperature has a profound effect on our tires. Whereas the cold causes the air in your tires to contract, the hot weather will then cause them to expand. As the weather warms up, keep an eye on your tires in the event you need to release some of the pressure.
Refill the Fluids
Fluids such as your car’s coolant are more important than ever during the summer, since they’re vital to keep your engine from overheating and breaking down. Make sure you top off your coolant, motor oil, brake fluid, and transmission fluid before they have a chance to get too low in order to keep your car running smoothly. The hot weather has a tendency to cause these fluids to evaporate.
Clean and Wax
Dust, bird droppings, rain, tree sap, and so many other environmental aspects can scratch or stain your exterior and ruin the coat of paint. Give your car thorough, regular cleanings by hand over the summer to keep the exterior clear of debris, dirt, and grime. This will also help prevent rust from taking hold of your car.
After cleaning your car, polish the exterior with a fresh coat of wax. This will give your car a refreshed, glossy shine as well as provide protection against the sun’s UV rays which can fade your paint.
Protect the Interior
One of the most important ways to protect your car from the summer heat is paying special attention to the car’s interior. Leaving your car in the sun to bake in the heat will result in dry leather and cracks in it as well as the dashboard. Plastics will also potentially melt and otherwise make your car far less comfortable. A sunshade in the windshield is a simple solution for keeping the sun from directly beating down on your interior.
