How to make it through the hottest month of the year in your car
Harsh cold weather isn’t the only condition that can take it’s toll on a car – extreme heat can also be a villain in this regard. February isn’t only the month of love, but also the hottest month of the year where temperatures rise to above 40 degrees in some parts of the country.
AAA recommends drivers address five key areas to help their vehicle safely survive high summer temperatures:
TEST YOU CAR’S BATTERY
Most drivers think battery problems occur primarily in winter, but summer heat can negatively impact your car’s battery even more than the bitter cold of winter. Heat and vibration are a battery’s two worst enemies leading to internal breakdown and eventual failure. While drivers cannot do much about the heat, they can make sure their battery is securely mounted in place to minimize vibration.
If a car’s battery is more than three years old, it’s a good idea to have it tested by a trained technician to determine how much longer it will last.
KEEP YOUR ENGINE COOLED DOWN
Automobile engines work extra hard in the summer, and it is the cooling system’s job to protect the engine from overheating. Without proper cooling system maintenance, the odds of long term engine damage, and a summer time boil over, definitely increase.
Over time, engine coolant becomes contaminated and its protective additives are depleted. That’s why the system should be flushed and the coolant replaced periodically as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
AVOID EXCESSIVE HEAT ON TYRES
Driving on under-inflated tyres not only affects the handling and braking of a vehicle, it also can cause tires to overheat and increase the likelihood of a blowout. This problem becomes even more of a concern when road temperatures are extremely high. Make sure your tyres are correctly inflated.
NOT ONLY HUMANS NEED FLUID DURING THE HEAT
Engine fluids are essential to keeping a vehicle running smoothly. Most fluids not only lubricate, they also serve as coolants by helping carry heat away from critical components. When fluid levels are low, this cooling effect is reduced, and the possibility of overheating increases.
Even if your car is well-maintained, a breakdown can occur. That’s why WOW suggests every driver keeps an emergency kit in their car.