Extreme heat can have harmful effects on your vehicle. It can lead to drivers stranded in the middle of nowhere. Don’t let this happen to you. Here are some tips that can help you avoid becoming one of those people on the side of the road.
According to AAA Exchange the first tip is making sure your battery is prepared for high temperatures. Intense summer heat can have a substantial negative impact on your vehicle’s car battery. The summer’s heat, in combination with vibration from regular use, leads to an internal breakdown and battery failure. This is why it’s always important to be mindful of the heat. Preparing your vehicle’s battery for the temperature prevents faster evaporation of battery fluid. Once the battery fluid inside your vehicle’s battery evaporates, corrosion on terminals starts to occur. You can prepare your battery for the summer heat by following these steps.
- Make sure you clean off any corrosive buildup surrounding the battery’s terminals and your cable clamps.
- Then you make sure the clamps are tight enough to prevent any movement.
- It’s a good idea to have your battery tested by a trained technician if it’s over three years old. The technician can tell you the status of your battery.
Another important factor in keeping your car well maintained in the summer heat is keeping your engine cool. In your car, there are cooling systems that help prevent your engine from overheating. To ensure the coolant is doing its job, do these following things.
- Flush the coolant regularly and make sure the coolant is filled to the proper level by checking the overflow reservoir.
- If you don’t have enough coolant, add a 50/50 mix of water and the coolant type specified by the vehicle manufacturer.
- The rubber parts of the cooling system can face heat-based deterioration, so periodically inspect hoses and drive belts for cracking soft spots, or other signs of poor condition.
When you’re driving with under-inflated tires during the summer, there is a higher chance of tire blowout. It’s essential to check your tires’ air pressure. Tires usually can lose a pound of air pressure per month. Before you take the DYI approach, make sure you check your vehicle’s owner manual for inflation pressure recommendations.
We hope you have found these tips useful. Remember, before you go out and enjoy your summer with friends and family make sure you take the necessary steps to ensure your ride to the party, is ready for the trip.
If your car is in need of service, please trust the professionals and contact us at Stroebel Automotive at (989) 781-4307.