Summer is here and that means we will be driving! Not just driving though – driving in very hot temperatures. It may seem like your vehicle will be able to manage, but believe it or not, the heat can cause a number of problems to your car. Take a look at some of our tips for your next hot weather road trip.
Check the Battery
If you’ve ever driven a car in cold weather, you probably know that the cold can cause an engine battery to fail. However, did you know that hot weather can cause failure also? For all batteries, it’s important to clean any corrosion from the terminals, be sure the battery is mounted firmly and safe from vibration and all connections are secure.
Check the Tires
If there’s anything that is important to keep track of, it’s definitely your tires! Check your tire pressure to make sure that they aren’t under-flated. Did you know that under-flared tires can cause excessive friction, which will result in heat? If you’re already driving in hot weather, the chances are highly likely that the tires are more likely to fail.
Check the Cooling System
It is important to make sure that your radiator is flushed and replaced regularly. If the fluid level in your cooling system is getting low, it is important to add the appropriate amount of fluid before hitting the road. Also, check your radiator hoses and connections. However, before opening the radiator cap, make sure the engine is cool. If it’s not, you will release hot steam and boiling fluid – which can be very dangerous. It is important to notice if the hose feels spongy – if so, it should be replaced before possibly bursting. As well as if a connection is loose, it should be tightened.
Check the Air Conditioning
What can be worse than driving around in the middle of summer with no air conditioning? If you ever lived in a warm weather state – such as Florida, you know this is not a pleasant experience! If you notice your air conditioning isn’t working to its full capacity, be sure to take it to your nearest technician to be checked out and fixed.
Check the Engine Fluids
Driving in hot temperatures can put a lot on all of the engine’s components. it’s always best to take it for a full tune-up to check transmission fluid, engine oil, power steering and brake fluids. Making sure these are at the levels they are supposed to be will prevent any possible chance of breaking down.
Do you have any tips for driving in hot weather? Tell us about them the comments below!
