Many people don’t realize that extreme heat is just as bad for our cars as it is for our bodies. As the summers get hotter and hotter every year, both the interior and exterior of your vehicle are at risk, and with summer just around the corner, protecting your vehicle from the blistering heat is as important as ever. If you don’t, it could spell disaster for both you and your car.
Keep your vehicle in tip-top shape and protect your car from the harmful rays of the sun with these tips.
Outside Your Car
Check Your Tires
Extreme heat can significantly affect your tires, especially if they’re not inflated properly. Tires tend to build pressure and end up overheating more quickly in hot weather. The hotter your tire becomes, the higher the chances of it blowing out, and no one wants a blown-out tire on a sweltering summer day.
Before you take your car out on a drive, check on your tires’ treads and pressure. The most common way to check for treadwear is the penny test. You need a pressure gauge to check on your tire pressure, but if you don’t have one, consider visiting your nearest gas station to ensure that your tires are properly inflated. Remember to change your tires regularly.
Wax On
Waxing your vehicle not only gives it a brand-new glow, but it can also serve as a form of protection for your car. This is because the wax creates a layer of protection that allows it to shield your four-wheel drive from the sun’s harsh rays and other weather elements that can damage it.
Car wax comes in two different types: natural and synthetic. Natural wax is generally made of carnauba, a waxy substance that comes from the carnauba palm trees. On the other hand, synthetic wax is made of chemicals and synthetic polymers that serve as a paint sealant.
The differences between these two can be found in their shine factor and the time it takes before completely wearing off. Natural wax is generally more eco-friendly and produces a better shine, while synthetic wax creates a more durable layer for added protection and also takes longer to wear off.
Wash and Dry Your Ride Often
The extreme heat can cause your car’s paint to fade and even crack, and allowing your vehicle to accumulate dust and dirt can cause micro-scratches on its surface. Washing your car regularly can help prevent dirt and dust buildup, while drying it right after washing will prevent small water droplets from acting like a magnifying glass and focusing heat onto your car’s paint.
Inside Your Car
Get Shady
During the summer months, we’re often encouraged to stay in the shade and wear protective clothing like sunglasses and hats to keep ourselves cool. The same goes for your car; park in the shade to avoid heating the interior of your car.
If your car sits in extreme heat for a long period, its plastic components might disintegrate due to the temperature and damage the exterior and interior of your car. If your car seats and dashboard are dirty, extreme heat can even cause the buildup of dirt to practically bake into your interior, making it almost impossible to remove.
There are a few ways to protect your vehicle from the heat, such as using a sun protector, and if you don’t want to deal with putting it up and taking it off over and over again, consider tinting your windows. Doing this will help protect the interior of your car from UV rays, decrease eye fatigue caused by direct sunlight or bright headlights, and more.
Use Seat Covers
Whether you have leather or light-colored fabric seats, adding a seat cover can benefit both you and your vehicle. Not only does it protect your seats from getting damaged by extreme heat or bleeding from dyed fabrics, but it also helps keep your seat cool on hot summer days.
Under the Hood
Hydration Is Important
When your car lacks the proper amount of fluids in its system, it can overheat easily. Remember to check your vehicle’s motor oil, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and transmission fluid.
Take Care of the AC
If you find that your car’s air conditioning doesn’t feel as cold as it used to, there’s a possibility that there may be a serious problem with your AC. Don’t wait for it to completely break down and have it checked by a professional as soon as possible.
Check Your Battery
Your battery is one of the most important parts of your car that keeps it running. High temperatures accompanied by heavy use of your air conditioning unit may cause your battery to wear out quicker than usual. Remember to get your battery checked regularly to avoid any problems while you’re on the road.
A car is a big investment, so it’s only natural that we should protect that investment as much as we possibly can. Just like us, our vehicles need protection from the extreme heat that the summer months bring, but with a little upkeep and preventive maintenance, you can stay on the road worry-free.
