Summer can be a brutal season for your car. High temperatures don't just make the cabin feel like an oven; they stress your engine, degrade your tires, and can even kill your battery.
Here is a checklist to keep your vehicle running cool and safe.
Heat causes fluids to evaporate or thin out, reducing their effectiveness.
Coolant (Antifreeze): This is your #1 defense. Ensure the reservoir is at the proper level. If it’s been more than two years, consider a flush.
Engine Oil: Hot weather puts extra stress on the engine. Check your oil levels frequently; if it's dark and gritty, change it.
Wiper Fluid: Summer bugs and dust can smear your vision. Keep this topped up.
As the pavement heats up, so does the air inside your tires.
Check Pressure: For every 10°F change in temperature, tire pressure can change by about 1 PSI. Check them when they are "cold" (before driving) to get an accurate reading.
Avoid Blowouts: Over-inflated tires on hot asphalt are a recipe for a blowout. Stick to the PSI recommended on your door jamb, not the "Max PSI" on the tire sidewall.
Most people think batteries die in winter, but heat is actually harder on them. It causes internal battery fluid to evaporate and speeds up chemical corrosion.
The Fix: If your battery is more than 3 years old, have it load-tested at an auto parts store (usually free) to ensure it won't leave you stranded.
Test the AC: If it’s blowing lukewarm, you might have a refrigerant leak or a clogged cabin air filter. Replacing a dirty filter can vastly improve airflow.
Sun Protection: Use a windshield sunshade. It can lower the interior temperature by over 30°F and protects your dashboard from cracking.
Window Tints: If you live in a high-heat area, quality ceramic tint can block a significant amount of UV rays and heat.
If you do break down, the heat makes it a medical emergency much faster than usual. Keep these in your trunk:
Extra bottles of water.
A portable jump starter.
A basic first-aid kit.
A cooling towel or a spare hat.
