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When temperatures rise in the summer months, it’s important to keep your vehicle ready to withstand the heat. Prevention is the key to ensuring your car performs as expected and avoids expensive car repairs. With that in mind, here are five ways you can easily protect your car during the summer heat.
Batteries can tend to underperform on scorching hot days. So take the time in the spring to have your battery tested and keep it in top form. Battery fluid can evaporate quickly when a heatwave strikes, so watch the battery terminals, wiping away any corrosion. And if you need a battery replacement, now is the time.
When it gets hot, it’s critical that you check your fluids, as they help to cool down the engine as it runs. This includes motor oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid. When any of these fluids are low, it’s more difficult for them to carry heat away from the engine’s components, causing undue wear on your vehicle and even making it unsafe to drive. Make sure your engine coolant is replaced regularly. Check your vehicle owner’s manual for the proper schedule to change the coolant and fill it to the appropriate level. Your car care center can help.
When seeking a parking space, look for a shady area if possible, or use an underground parking lot to stay shielded from direct sunlight. Leave your windows down slightly to keep fresh airflow within the cabin, and you can purchase a tinted visor to deflect light while also making it less obvious that your windows are down.
Another way to keep the cabin cool is to keep a windshield shade in the vehicle when there is no other option but to park in direct sunlight. Windshield shades provide some protection from the harmful effects of the sun on the interior of your car. Over time, the sun can cause a bleaching, drying, and cracked dashboard, with a need for more than just car detailing.
You can use a car detailing product to protect your dash and minimize glare. Seat covers are perfect for keeping your car seats as cool as possible. But if you have leather seats in your vehicle, keep them clean and use a conditioner to prevent cracks as a result of the heat.
Underinflated tires can lead to a tire blowout, which is particularly problematic on hot summer days. You should also check your hoses and drive belts, as they are more likely to fail during this time of year. Inspect them thoroughly to ensure there are no cracks or frays and your auto mechanic can replace them if needed.
To learn more about how you can best protect your vehicle from the summer heat, contact one of our car mechanics or auto parts specialists today.
While great effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this site, errors can occur. Please verify all pricing information with a customer service representative. This is easily done by calling us or visiting us at the dealership.
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