The harsh sun and heat of Texas can damage cars quickly. The air inside a vehicle can easily rise to above 145 degrees. The interior surfaces of the vehicle that are exposed to direct sunlight can get as hot as 195 degrees. The dashboard, engine, and finish of the car are all at risk of damage caused by exposure to high heat and direct sunlight. Luckily, there are some things you can do to protect your car. The following are six tips that can help you protect your vehicle from the harsh sun and heat of a Texan summer.
Check Fluid Levels Regularly
The fluids of a car get used up more during the hot summer than they do during the rest of the year. If the coolant, engine oil, and transmission fluid of your vehicle are low, there is a greater chance that your car will get damaged in the hot weather.
Get the Battery Tested Twice During the Summer
During the summer, there is a greater demand on the car battery because it is running air conditioning systems. Therefore, you should get the charging system and battery tested periodically. This will help you avoid sudden breakdowns on hot days. The worst way to begin a hot day is to discover that your car won’t start.
Get Air Filters Checked
There is more debris and dust in the air during the hot summer. In the case of arid climates, the situation is more worrisome because the air filters of the car can get clogged, and it can affect the vehicle’s gas mileage. It can also damage the mass air flow sensor which is responsible for regulating fuel levels and air in the engine.
Check Tire Pressure Every Month
Very hot air trapped inside rubber is a dangerous combination and this is what happens with your tires, which support your vehicle throughout the year, including the summer. It is a good idea, therefore, to check your tire pressure once a month. This will help to prevent accidents caused by underinflated tires as well as poor gas mileage. The best time to check the pressure of your tires is in the morning before you drive. The temperature at that time is the coolest, and pressure readings are more accurate.
Park in the Shade
You should never park your car under blazing sunlight in the summer. Find a place with some shade, even if it’s just a broad tree. It will keep the interior of the car as cool as possible without your needing to buy any extra equipment. Windshield covers are always helpful, though, for keeping temperatures low in the vehicle.
Clean the Interior of the Car Regularly
The combination of hot sun and dust can wreak havoc on a car’s interior. It can cause grime to build up and solidify on the surfaces, especially on the dashboard. Periodic cleaning is the best way to avoid this problem. However, try to use cleaners that are specially manufactured for automobiles. Other cleaners can cause stains and dry out the surfaces, resulting in cracks.
Don’t wait for the weather to get even hotter before considering how to protect your car. Start following the tips above today!
Photo: “Sun” via Pai Shih via Flickr licensed under CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original