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The heat is on. Summer kicked off with record-breaking heat last month, with most of the country roasting under the heat dome. And while the warm weather is great for beach days and backyard barbecues, the high temperatures can take a toll on your vehicle.
Summer battery health
Extreme heat is one of your car battery's worst enemies. High under-hood temperatures can accelerate battery fluid evaporation and cause corrosion, putting extra strain on the battery and shortening its lifespan.
Electrical components such as the air conditioning and cooling fans work extra hard, drawing more power from your battery.
Avoid getting stranded on your next summer escape–get a battery and electrical system check. The test takes minutes and quickly identifies battery fatigue so your vehicle always has the charge it needs to start no matter where the summer winds take you.
Summer tire wear
Just as the hot asphalt can burn your feet when going barefoot, scorching roads also take a toll on your vehicle’s treads.
High surface temperatures cause the tire rubber to deteriorate faster over time. This leads to excessive tread wear, reduced traction, and an increased risk of blowouts.
Along with checking your tire pressure to ensure proper inflation, also check tread depth. A tread depth of at least 4/32 is recommended and anything less than that, you should get your tires replaced.
If you notice damage while checking your tread, have your tires replaced to avoid blowouts on the road. Consider investing in all-weather tires that can handle whatever you encounter on the road this summer or any season.
July vehicle maintenance tips
- Check your cooling system: As summer temperatures soar, keep tabs on your car's cooling systems to prevent overheating and engine damage. Start by inspecting your coolant levels and topping them off as needed. Look for any leaks or signs of damage in the radiator that could compromise its cooling ability. Coolant breaks down over time through normal driving and must be replaced. Ask your advisor for information about your specific model (or look in your owner’s manual). Fresh coolant can keep your vehicle–and your family–from overheating on your next adventure.
- Have your mechanic take a look under the hood to give the belts and hoses a thorough once-over. Hot weather can accelerate their deterioration, leading to cracks, wear, and potential leaks that could cause engine failure.
- Top off fluids. While your mechanic is checking under the hood, have them top off other essential fluids like oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power steering fluid, as summer heat and longer drives put extra strain on these systems.
- Stay cool and check your air conditioning system. Test that your car’s AC blows cold air, and if you notice weak airflow or lukewarm temperatures, it may need a recharge or professional inspection.
- Take a deep breath and check your cabin air filter. Dust and pollen are the bane of summer. Keep your cabin clean and reduce allergens by replacing cabin air filters. It’s an affordable way to improve the air circulating inside your car.
Other things to consider when traveling this summer:
- Ask yourself, “When was the last time I got new wiper blades?” Wiper blades are not a convenience. They are part of your vehicle’s safety equipment, especially during an intense summer storm. Summer sun can harden and crack wiper blades. Change out your vehicle’s wiper blades at least once a year, especially if you are using them frequently during winter. New blades help to keep your windshield streak-free for safe summer road trips (see related article).
- Protect your car's interior from the harsh summer sun. Invest in sunshades for the dash, steering wheel, and seats to block harmful UV rays. Consider using seat covers and applying a UV protectant to prevent fading, cracking, and discoloration over time (see related article).
- Bring along a spray bottle of quick detailer for those incidents such as bird droppings, sap, spilled drinks on the exterior and bug goo. Do not let contaminants sit on the surface of your paint until your return home–they could cause permanent etching (see related article).
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