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You wouldn’t go out in the summer sun for prolonged periods of time without sunscreen or taking a bottle of water, would you? Your vehicle also feels the summer heat when it is parked outside on hot concrete or pavement.
Why should your protect your vehicle from the heat and sun? What can you do about it?
1. Cracked & Discolored Upholstery, Dashboards & Steering Wheels – When the hot sun beats through your windows, the car’s interior can become cracked, discolored or appear worn out. Park with your vehicle facing north to reduce the rays from coming through the windshield. You can also park in the shade or use a sunshade to block the rays and reduce the temperature inside of the vehicle.
2. Over-Inflated Tires – For ever ten-degree rise in temperature the pounds per square inch (PSI) in your tires increases by one pound. Overinflated tires can be just as problematic as under-inflated tires. Check your tires to make sure they are at the proper level for your vehicle and driving style.
3. Power Loss in Battery – Your battery is made up of both water and acid. In extreme heat, the water can evaporate which reduces the amount of power the battery can supply to the vehicle. Have your battery checked with every oil change to make sure the Charging System is working properly.
4. Extreme Heats Puts Stress on All Systems – Anytime you drive during extreme temperatures, you’re asking your vehicle to work hard in stressful situations. Try to drive during the cooler parts of the day such as the early morning or evening to reduce stress on your vehicle. Make sure your follow proper maintenance schedules to prevent and identify any problems.
5. Leave Some Breathing Room – If you’re in a traffic jam, keep a half car length between you and the car in front of you to allow your engine and cooling system room to breath. If you don’t, your car will suck in hot air from under the vehicle in front of you. If you are stuck on the road for a while, put the vehicle in park. This reduces the transmission temperatures and lets the engine idle at a higher RPM thus allowing the cooling system and air conditioning to be more effective.
Tailor your summer maintenance program to your particular needs. If you’re driving normally and park in the shade or in a garage most of the time, your needs will be different from someone who parks in the sun each day and whose driving style puts extreme stress on the vehicle. Contact your local Rad Air service manager for more tips to protect your vehicle during the hot summer months.