Blistering summer sun, road surface temperatures of up to 140°F, rainstorms, and dust all conspire to make your car age like a president. However, the following five tips make it easy to beat the heat:
1. Maintain Proper Fluid Levels
An oil change is the single most economical bit of maintenance you can do on your car. Stay on top of your oil changes — though some manufacturers recommend changing your oil every 7,500 miles, this is not a hard-set rule. Change your oil more often if the weather is very hot, if you tend to drive fewer than five miles at a time, if you tow something heavy, if you spend a lot of time idling, or if the roads you drive are dusty or muddy.
Likewise, other fluid levels should be checked often and replaced when necessary. Your coolant is responsible for keeping your car from overheating. Also check transmission, power steering, and brake fluids with every oil change.
2. Make Sure Hoses Are in Good Condition
Hoses may dry rot over time, so check your engine’s hoses for leaks or cracks. These are relatively cheap to replace, particularly when you are doing so proactively and not after a breakdown.
3. Inflate Your Tires to the Proper Pressure
There are so many reasons to keep your tires properly inflated. To name a few:
• It maximizes your mileage
• It reduces the risk of a blowout
• It prolongs the life of your tires
Overinflated tires bulge down the center of the treads, causing uneven wear. Underinflated tires cause the tires’ rubber to flex excessively, leading to overheating and the potential for a blowout. Use your car’s manual for pressure recommendations.
3. Have Regular Maintenance Done on Your AC
Car air conditioners are especially important to maintain. Like all air conditioners, they produce heat. When filters are dirty or refrigerant levels are low, this causes your AC unit to waste energy and produce more heat. Doing so does not help the already scorching situation under the hood on a hot day.
4. Wash and Wax Your Car Regularly
In the summer, dirt and dust tend to collect on our cars. If not cleaned off, this dirty coating weakens the car’s paint job and makes it susceptible to the sun’s UV rays, eventually giving it a dull and faded appearance.
5. Shield From the Sun
Finally, sunlight can degrade the materials of your dashboard, console, and seats. Invest in a solar shield to protect your car when it’s parked. Similarly, use sunscreen when driving. Most cases of skin cancer occur on our left sides, which the sun hits when we’re driving. You can also install an aftermarket UV film on your side windows to prevent sun damage.
Works Cited
Silverhero. “5 Summer Car Tips to Beat the Heat.” Brakes to Go, 18 Apr. 2018, brakestogo.com/2018/04/13/summer-car-tips-to-beat-the-heat/.
