What Hot Weather Does To Your Vehicle
Hoorah! Summertime’s well underway and we’re all enjoying the weather. However, in the same way as you take precautions to protect yourself from the heat, it’s necessary to carry out a few simple tasks to ensure the good health of your car as well.
After all… The last thing you want when heading to the beach, mountains, on vacation, or wherever is to be let down by the vehicle that’s responsible for getting you there.
So let’s take a look at how hot weather affects cars, and the simple preventative measures necessary to ensure hassle-free motoring all summer long…
Passenger Comfort: Air Conditioning
As the mercury climbs the blissful air-conditioned comfort of your car’s interior is a real blessing. If you’ve old enough to remember the sweatbox of a non-air-con car then you know what we’re talking about. An A/C system needs a yearly service to replenish the gases and have the cabin air filter changed. If you’ve not yet had yours checked, then an easy fix is to head to your closest Jiffy Lube car service facility for immediate rectification (and a guaranteed cool summer ride).
Car TLC: Engine Coolant
You might not be able to see it, but if there’s a coolant leak somewhere in the system then boy-oh-boy are you going to know about it. No prizes for guessing what this liquid does: it keeps the engine cool and prevents it from overheating. Even if there isn’t a leak the components break down over time. That’s why it’s essential to have it changed on an annual basis.
Passenger Safety: Tires
Did you know that excessive heat affects tire pressures? Of course, it should be a habit to carry out a regular tire check all year round, but as the weather warms make a mental note to do this at the very least each month. And while doing so be sure to examine the tire treads too. Remember, these four corners are all that’s between you and the surface of the road. So treat them with the respect they deserve.
Smoothly Does It: Check The Oil
Perhaps especially relevant if you’re driving extra miles over the summer, don’t forget about a regular oil change. If the wheels on your car are rolling more than usual, then you’re going to need earlier oil maintenance. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for how often the oil should be replaced to ensure your car’s internal workings have the best lubrication possible.
Keep Powered Up: Love Your Battery
No, not the one in your cell… The one that’s responsible for starting your car! Heat is the enemy of this heart of the engine, as is vibration. Get your car mechanic to check that the battery is securely mounted to minimize this and get them to check the charging output. Heat can cause battery fluids to evaporate, plus the terminals can become corroded. All of this can be easily avoided by an annual battery check, plus savvy motorists always stow a set of jumper cables in the trunk, “just in case”.
You can carry out much of this preventative summer maintenance yourself. Or, as so many prefer to do, simply pay a visit to your local Jiffy Lube for an efficient, cost-effective service. And with no appointments necessary you can get your summer car maintenance carried out by the experts at a time convenient to you. A win-win situation, wouldn’t you agree? So what on earth are you waiting for?