Summer months can be brutal. Temperatures can reach far over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and while you may be able to escape the heat your car can’t! Today we will be talking about three important tips for protecting your car from extreme heat.

Replace Fluids Regularly

One of the most common things that happens to vehicles in the summer is overheating. Not only can it be a pain, but now you may be stuck on the side of the hot road with a hot car! One thing you must always be weary of is fluids. Fluids may evaporate quicker or be used up faster due to the high heat index. Some of the fluids you may consider are coolant, power steering, brake, and even windshield washer to keep your visibility high. If you want more information on coolant and what it’s used for, check out our blog post Car Care 101: What is Coolant and Why Do I Need it!

Maintain Your Air Conditioning

When you’re running errands during the summer, it can be a hassle if your car doesn’t have A/C. If you find your car is having A/C trouble follow these steps:

  • Check your refrigerant levels. Refrigerant is what your car uses to turn hot air into cold air. Refrigerant can also be referred to as Freon R-12, R-134a, and HFO-1234yf. You should recharge your cooling system every two years with gas and lubricant.
  • Check cabin filters and replace them regularly every two years
  • Get your A/C professionally serviced at any maintenance shop

Please read our blog post Beat the Heat: Prepare Your A/C for a Scorcher! for more information on how to care for your A/C

Test Your Car Battery

According to AAA, “summer heat accelerates the rate of fluid loss and resulting oxidation of battery components.” [X] Heat is the number one cause of loss of battery life and battery failure. Car batteries typically last about four years in most conditions. Here are a few tips you can use to help keep your car battery in shape for the summer:

  • Turn off stereo and unplug external devices when your car is parked to save from unnecessary battery drainage.
  • When possible park in shaded areas. Your car battery typically performs better at temperatures of 80 degrees Fahrenheit and 27 degrees Celsius. Extreme heat can damage the chemical activity within the battery and cause internal corrosion.
  • Be aware of any strange smells. A failing car battery may smell like rotten eggs.
  • Test your car battery voltage at least twice a year. A good voltage should read at 12.6 volts or above.

For more tips on how to care for your battery please read Car Care 101: Signs Your Car Battery is in Danger  for maintenance tips.

Conclusion

Summer can be a fun time for you and your family! Especially when road trips are involved! To keep up the fun and minimize the headaches, please keep in mind these basic car maintenance steps! And please check out our other blog posts regarding car service, like Car Care 101: Withstanding the South Texas Heat