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Heat and Your Car - What To Keep An Eye On This Summer
Admin • Aug 05, 2019
Modern cars are built to withstand a lot, but prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures, either
freezing or sweltering, increases the potential for problems. As the summer heat reaches its peak, our vehicles are working overtime, and the last thing you want is to be stranded with car trouble. Keep reading to find out how rising temperatures impact your vehicle’s safety and performance, and what can be done to prevent car problems from ruining your summertime fun.
Tire Pressure
It’s important to check your tire pressure year round, but it’s especially important during the summer months, or before any extended car trips. After all, increases in temperature can mean increases in tire pressure. Driving with under- or over-inflated tires can contribute to blowouts and shorten the life of your tires. Your vehicle manufacturer should have a recommended tire pressure posted inside the driver’s side door, in the glove compartment, or listed in the owner’s manual.
Battery functionality
When you think of peak jumper cable season, you might think winter, but there’s some evidence to suggest your car battery is more likely to fail in the summer. Hot temperatures can evaporate the water inside and speed up corrosion, both of which drastically shorten the life of your battery. While you can try to keep your car parked in the garage, or take shorter afternoon trips, there’s not much to be done about the heat. Your best bet is regular battery maintenance, like keeping the contacts free from corrosion, and seasonal vehicle inspection. A simple 5-minute test can determine how much battery life is remaining before you set off with the family.
Coolant and Other Fluids
Worn hoses or cracks in your radiator can lead to coolant leaks, while high temperatures can speed up the evaporation process for all the fluids in your car. Oil changes
are particularly important during summer, when a hot engine needs all the lubrication it can get. Transmission fluid and power steering fluid should also be checked to make sure those systems are working properly as well. It’s cheap insurance to keep you from getting stuck on the side of the road with engine trouble.
A/C System
As hot as it’s been lately, the last thing you want is for your air conditioning to fail. Replacing your in-cabin air filter, as well as cleaning out any vents that may be clogged with debris, can improve the efficiency of your car’s A/C. Ask your Cumming mechanic to check that the AC system is fully charged with refrigerant and inspect for any leaks. Regular inspections and preventative maintenance can keep your drive cool all summer long.
Interior Damage
After an hour in the hot summer sun, the interior of your car can climb up to 172°. All that heat, and
those pesky UV rays, can fade or crack vinyl and leather upholstery, plastic trim, and dashboards. Touch screens may not work properly under extreme temperatures as the components overheat. The best thing you can do is park in the shade, or use a windshield sunshade to prevent direct sunlight from baking your interior.
We love the summer weather, but those toasty temps can wreak havoc on your automobile. Whether you’re preparing for a road trip, or just trying to stay cool,
Poston Motor Company will make sure your car can handle the heat. Schedule a service with your local Cumming auto repair shop today!
678-455-5246.