This heatwave survival guide will save your car!
Woohoo! Summer is here, finally, after so many months of waiting. Now it’s time to load up the vehicle with beach towels and sunscreen and take the family on a beach trip.
Your car will suffer the intense heat alongside you, whether driving for fifteen minutes or fifteen hours. Your automobile’s interior is equally as vulnerable to harm as the outside due to the sun’s UV radiation.
In addition to protecting your body from the heat, your automobile requires protection to prevent any harm. So when throwing the sunscreen protection cream in the bag, keep in mind this heatwave survival guide to keep your car in good condition:
Check the AC
It is now more crucial than ever to check your air conditioning system because of the Level 3 Amber notice for hot weather and possible health risks.
For short travels, leaving the windows open could be enough, but for any type of lengthy drive (more than 2 hours), air conditioning is the best way to stay cool and should be used often to avoid gas leaks.
It could need to be regassed if you drive a used vehicle. Before you hit the road, ensure sure your car has received a recent service. Many cars need to be repainted every two years.
Always park your vehicle in the shade
Another pinpoint of this heatwave survival guide is to look for a shady area to park your car. Finding a cool, shaded area to park your car is the best approach to help it fight the sun. Steer clear of direct sunlight to prevent drying and cracking of your dash.
If the area where you parked is safe enough, crack the window a little to help cool the interior.
Check vehicle battery
It’s the last thing anyone wants to be stuck by the side of the road when it’s almost 95 degrees outside. Sheesh! Even the thought of that scares me so much.
Unsealed batteries can evaporatively lose electrolytes, which becomes worse with extreme temperatures. This is the most frequent cause of battery failure. To avoid breakdowns, make sure you frequently check the fluid levels in your battery and replace it as needed.
You won’t have to worry as much about this if your batteries are sealed. Simply continue to inspect your batteries regularly for leaks and indications of acid damage.
Check other car fluids
Overheating is more likely if the amount of fluid in your automobile is below what is advised. Make sure you have the necessary amounts of brake, power steering, engine oil, and transmission fluid in your car by checking these fluids regularly.
Buy a windshield sun protector
One of the most important things you should buy for your vehicle during summer is a windshield. Another excellent and simple method to help shield the interior of your car from sun damage is to use a windshield. You may also contribute to a reduction in the interior air temperature by keeping the sun out of your car.
Purchase yours for a great deal of just $18.99 on Amazon. This model is going to fit small Sedans and mini SUVs mostly but if doesn’t fit your vehicle, look for others. They have a plethora of options available for very nice prices!
Seat covers are a must!
Not only can installing seat covers assist keep seats cooler, but it also shields the fabric from heat damage. Additionally, if your car has leather seats, a leather conditioner can help stop the heat-induced rips and cracks that usually occur.
Wax your car
Applying a coat of wax on your car to shield it from the sun’s UV rays is an excellent technique to help keep the outside of your car protected. As I previously mentioned, heat and sun may fade and even break the paint of your car.
Check the tyre pressure
Tire punctures are more likely to happen when there is a rise in air pressure caused by extreme weather temperatures. Regularly over-inflating your tires can cause them to wear down more, increasing the risk of a burst tire.
Make sure you regularly check the pressure in your tires while they are cold, and keep an eye out for any tread wear or other issues that can cause a puncture.
Aim for good visibility while driving
During the summer, dust, pollen, and bug buildup on your windscreen can make it difficult to see, especially if you live in a location with heavy air pollution or drive long distances.
To improve visibility, make sure your lights and windscreen are clean. You should also replace your windscreen wipers if they start to show signs of wear and tear since improperly maintained wipers might cause a MOT failure.
Try to drive in the afternoon or early morning
If it is possible of course! If you can, avoid driving in extremely hot or cold weather. Opt for driving in the morning or the evening when it is not as hot. And if this isn’t possible, going with public transportation can be another option.
Keep your car clean
Especially during the summer, this can be a serious issue. If you frequently leave trash in your car, you should get rid of it! The interior of your automobile may get damaged by hot weather since it can melt plastic and speed up food decomposition.
As a matter of fact, you’ll thank yourself and any passengers if you give your car a thorough cleaning before you go!
Regularly go to the car service
I know that going to the car service isn’t exactly fun, mostly because of the amount of money you’re going to leave there. However, this is very important during the warm season. Before you go on that long-awaited vacation, have your car maintained and avoid being caught off guard!
How do you protect your car during the summer? Do you have other tips to share with us? You’re welcome to write them in the comments section.
…psst! Before leaving check out another related article 11 Florida-Friendly Cars Perfect for Heat, Rain, and Road Trips.
