Tips for Protecting Your Car from Seasonal Damage
Northeast Ohio has experienced record-high temperatures in recent summers. While hot weather and steamy temps are great for trips to the lake or splashing in the pool, the intense summer sun can wreak havoc on your car.
In this post, we’ll examine some of the ways heat can harm your vehicle and offer summer car maintenance tips to protect it from damage.
How Heat Affects Your Vehicle (and What to Do About It)
Extreme heat, especially over an extended period of time, can take a toll on many of your car’s parts, systems and performance. Here’s a closer look at some of the ways heat impacts your vehicle:
Overheating. The primary culprits of an overheating engine are low coolant levels, a failing water pump, a broken thermostat and leaks in the cooling system. Hot weather can exacerbate all these factors, leaving many cars susceptible to overheating.
- What to do. Prevent overheating by keeping an eye on your car’s cooling system. Make sure systems like the thermostat and pump are operating properly with no leaks. It’s also important to keep coolant and other fluids, like engine oil, brake fluid and transmission fluid, topped off and fresh.
Battery issues. Many of us think of cold as the ultimate enemy of the car battery. But, in reality, heat is the real battery buster. According to AAA, “Extreme heat can hinder the chemical processes inside car batteries, making it hard for them to hold a charge and produce enough power.”
Further, heat causes fluid to evaporate from your battery faster than normal, causing degradation of the battery’s insides and leaving it susceptible to corrosion. Add to that the combination of summer heat and regular car vibrations that happen when you’re driving, and your battery is likely to wear down faster than in temperate climates.
- What to do. Check your battery regularly for any signs of damage or corrosion. If you spot visible cracking or bulging or detect a rotten egg smell, don’t drive. Have your car towed to your nearest shop, and a qualified technician will help you remove and replace it. If you spot corrosion, clean it using a baking soda and water mixture. Ensure that cable connections are tight and secure and that your battery is securely strapped down to cut down on excess vibration.
Tire trouble. Extreme heat can affect tire pressure, which can lead to uneven wear and a shorter lifespan for your tires. Underinflated or overinflated tires are also more prone to blowouts.
- What to do. Check your tire pressure regularly to ensure they’re properly inflated, especially if your car has been out baking in the sun or on a long, hot road trip.
Ailing AC. Summer is typically the time when you notice an car’s air conditioner on the fritz. It’s also more prone to failing in extreme heat simply because it’s working harder and more frequently to cool your car. When your AC is blasting nonstop, it can also put additional pressure on the engine, leading to lower fuel efficiency.
- What to do. Have your AC checked at the start of the summer and any time you notice a drop in cooling capacity. A qualified tech will check for refrigerant leaks and change out the filter as needed. Park in shaded areas when possible to avoid overworking the AC.
Cosmetic damage. It’s not only your car’s functionality that is at risk in hot, sunny weather. According to Progressive.com, “UV rays and heat exposure can lead to paint fading and oxidation, upholstery damage, dashboard cracking and other material breakdowns. Foreign substances like bird poop or dust can cause corrosive damage if left on the car too long, especially in the sun.”
- What to do. Keep your car clean inside and out. Avoid prolonged parking in direct sun. If possible, choose a shady spot to leave your car, either in a garage or under cover of some kind. You can also get reflective window covers to deflect sunlight from the interior of your car.
Signs of Heat Damage
Overheating is the primary sign that something is amiss with your car’s temperature. The first sign may be your temperature gauge spiking to the red zone. Other signs include steam or smoke coming from under the hood, thumping, hissing or rattling noises, or a loss of power.
While not all overheating engines are due to high temperatures, the weather does play a role. It also makes it more dangerous in the event of a breakdown as you wait for help to arrive or exert energy trying to repair the vehicle yourself.
Other signs of heat damage include:
- Sudden tire pressure changes
- Sluggish battery
- Diminished air conditioner output
- Reduced brake performance
- Cracked or melted belts
If you experience any of these issues, it’s important to bring your car to a trusted auto technician right away before a potentially minor issue turns into a major expense.
How to Beat the Heat: Your Summer Maintenance Checklist
Staying ahead of heat-induced damage is the best thing you can do for the health and longevity of your car. Make sure you’re scheduling regular preventive maintenance visits, especially in the summer. Use this checklist to stay safe and cool all summer.
- Check your A/C
- Check the coolant, flush if necessary
- Test your battery, replace if necessary
- Inspect your tires, fill to the manufacturer’s recommendation
- Change your oil
- Replace wiper blades
- Inspect your brake system
- Check all belts and hoses
- Inspect front and rear suspension
- Check the transmission
Stay Cool and Confident on the Road
Maintaining your vehicle’s health during the heat of summer ensures you and your family stay safe and comfortable. Taking proactive steps to address potential heat damage also helps you avoid costly repairs and enjoy summer adventures without unexpected hiccups. To ensure you stay cool and road-ready, book an appointment at your nearest Boyce location today.
Up Next: How to Care for Your Battery in Extreme Ohio Temperatures
