Summer is here and the living is easy, or at least it can be if you are prepared to meet the heat with solutions that keep you and your fellow passengers cool while you are inside your car. With summer’s official arrival comes road trips and extremely hot temperatures across the country. Just like the seasons, your car undergoes a change in warmer temperatures. Use these tips to help your car beat the heat this summer.
- Keep Your Cool - The main stress on your car in high temperatures is trying to maintain the cooling system. Your cooling system is what prevents your car from overheating. Coolant is a 50-to-70 percent mixture of ethylene or propylene glycol and water and it is pumped through the engine and into the radiator, where the heat is dispersed into the air by a fan and airflow as you drive, and cooled back into the engine. Sounds a little bit complicated but the main thing you need to remember is to keep an eye on your coolant level. Warm weather uses up coolant more quickly than cooler weather. Make sure you are checking it every few weeks. Coolant smells sweet, like sugar, and is usually a bright color, so if you see or smell it, make sure you get it checked at your local service station soon.
- Replace Wipers – Winter weather and precipitation can cause the rubber in your wiper blades to deteriorate and become cracked and worn. As inexpensive as wiper blades are, you really want to stay on top of them. It can be extremely hazardous to find yourself driving in a summer downpour with ragged wipers. Don’t forget to keep your windshield fluid checked and at a full level. Summer temps can cause this fluid to run out quickly as well.
- Burnt Out Belts – Your vehicle’s engine belts are vital in the functioning of your car. Extreme warm weather increases the chance they will become loose, misaligned, or worn out. Keep your eyes and ears on them throughout the summer months. Look for cracks, debris, or missing pieces. Glazing can also occur due to oil leaking on them or excessive wear. Listen for chirping, squeaking or squealing noises. This usually indicates belt wear and not any nearby birds.
- Tired Treads – Hot wheels are a great thing to have in your child’s toy box but not so much on your car. It’s inevitable that the summer’s heat will take its toll on your tires too.
- Check the tread wear by using a penny. Insert the penny into the thread with Lincoln’s head being upside down. If the tread doesn’t cover the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time for new tires.
- Keep an air gauge in your car so you can periodically check your tires pressure. Correct tire pressure helps you save a little on gas mileage and helps avoid costly blowouts.
- Don’t forget about your spare. Make sure you check it regularly in case you happen to need it on the side of the road.
Regardless if you are driving to the beach or to the barbeque, these summertime car tips can help you keep your cool on the road. Don’t hesitate to contact me if I can help put you in a new cool ride!
