How to Protect Your Car From The Extreme Heat

The extreme heat and hot sun can create serious damage to your car, truck or SUV. There are simple things you can do to prevent this from happening.

1) Fluid levels: Make sure your car always has enough refrigerant. In addition, you should also check your vehicle’s other fluids and lubricants. These all serve as coolants and will help your car from overheating. If any of these are running low, this could cause your air conditioning to malfunction, which would be unfortunate during this very hot time.

2) Battery Life: Extreme heat can shorten and damage your car’s battery. According to the Car Care Council the best way to prevent battery breakdown, is to check the check to see if you have the type of battery that needs to be topped off. If so, make sure you are checking it regularly. Lastly, try to keep the top of your battery clean. Leaving dirt on the top of the battery can actually diminish the battery power.

3) Tires: Heat can cause the pressure in your tires to expand. By simply checking the pressure of your tires you can avoid many repairs down the road. Tip: If you’re not sure what your tire pressure should be, try checking the door jam or owner’s manual. Most newer modeled cars have a chart that will tell you all the requirements. 

4) Gas: Being that gas is a liquid, the extreme heat will cause it to evaporate. To avoid a loss of gas and money park your vehicle in shaded areas.

5) Windshield Wipers: Although this is not the first thing you think about when it comes to heat, the sun and heat do cause damage. The intense heat can cause windshield wipers to stick to the glass. When you pull them loose, they will most likely smear instead of clean. To prevent this from happening, try to use them regularly.

Remember, to keep these car tips in mind when braving that Texas heat. If your car is suffering from sun damage stop on by Prestige Ford in Garland (serving the greater Dallas area) to help bring you car back to life.