As temperatures soar during the summer months, it’s critical that your vehicle is ready for the heat. Prevention is the best way to ensure your car is running as it should. Here are 5 tips to defend your car during hot weather.
Check your battery
Days of scorching heat are not good for your car battery. So, before the summer weather hits, test your battery to make sure it’s in good condition. Battery fluid evaporates faster in high heat, so keep an eye on the battery terminals and clean any corrosion that builds up.
Keep fluids full
During a heatwave, it is especially important to check the fluids as they help to cool the engine. This includes engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid. If these fluids are low, it is more complex for heat to be removed from the engine elements.
Have you changed your engine coolant recently? Check your owner’s manual to see if it’s time to change the coolant. If not, make sure it is filled to the desired grade.
Avoid direct sunlight
Once you’ve found a parking spot, try to find a shady spot or parking area underground or out of direct sunlight.
If it’s safe to do so, crack your windows an inch or two to let hot air escape. Window visors (rain guards) make the gap less noticeable.
Use a windshield sunshade
It’s a good idea to keep a windshield sunshade handy for those times when you can’t avoid parking in the sun. A sunshade not only keeps your interior cooler but also protects your dashboard and front seats from direct sunlight. If you let your car roast in the sun, you could end up with an ugly, dry, cracked dashboard.
Keep your vehicle clean and safe
Use a matte UV protectant on your dashboard to protect it and reduce glare. Seat covers are useful for keeping car seats cool. If you have leather seats, keep them well-conditioned during hot weather to prevent cracking.
Sunlight and high temperatures have the potential to fade the exterior of your vehicle. A wax job is a great way to defend your car from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Maintenance of tires, hoses, and belts
Insufficient pressure tires can be a problem on hot days as the pavement is very hot, which can cause a blowout. Hot weather also makes hoses and drive belts more susceptible to failure, so inspect them to ensure they are in good condition with no signs of cracking or other wear.
Want help keeping your car protected this summer? Cleaner Bros comes to your home or office anywhere in Utah County. For a sedan, an exterior detail is $99 and a full detail is $259 (plus tax), and leather conditioning is available as an add-on. Book online or call (385) 375-7652.
