It is possible for the heat of summer to wreak havoc on your vehicle and affect its performance. Summer heat provides hot roads. This can join with long trips and dry air to challenge a vehicle’s ability to function. Each part of your vehicle will be impacted differently in summer.
Tires
Checking the tire pressure is important all year. It is very important during the summer driving season. When hot tires are driven over a hot pavement, it is a condition that can result in a blowout. Should tires not be properly inflated, the chances of a serious failure increase dramatically. The best way to avoid problems with tires in the summer is to check tire pressure monthly and replace any tires before they become too worn.
Battery
The demands placed on a vehicle’s battery during hot weather can shorten its usable life. With long distance driving in the summer comes increased vibration that can damage a vehicle’s battery. To avoid problems, a driver should always have jumper cables in their vehicle, or a battery jump box. This could prevent you from being stranded. It’s important to inspect your vehicle’s battery for corrosion and make certain it is securely in place.
Oil
The increased temperature of summer months means a vehicle’s engine will need sufficient lubrication. Making certain oil changes are current is always important. You should use the oil viscosity recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Fuel
It is possible for a vehicle to experience improved fuel economy during warm summer months. A vehicle’s engine will warm up to an efficient temperature much quicker. The grades of gasoline provided in the summer could provide more energy. Warm air provides less aerodynamic drag when compared to the cool air of the winter months.
Air Conditioning
During the summer, a car’s air conditioning can contribute significantly to decreased fuel efficiency. On a hot day, it is possible for fuel economy to decrease by more than 25 percent if the air conditioning is on for an extended period of time. The impact of air conditioning on a vehicle’s performance will involve the level of humidity as well the intensity of the sun.
Electrical System
The heat of summer can cause problems with brake lights, headlights as well as interior lights and flashers. It’s important to make certain a vehicle’s electrical system is working properly. A failure can be a serious safety hazard.
Coolant
The antifreeze of winter months becomes coolant during the heat of the summer. A low level of coolant can cause serious harm to a vehicle’s engine. A vehicle with a damaged radiator as well as worn hoses can permit important coolant to leak. This will cause an engine’s temperature to rise. It is important to watch a vehicle’s temperature gauge during the hot summer months. Overheating needs to be avoided.
Other Fluids
It is also important to keep power steering fluid as well as transmission fluid at proper levels. These fluids are key to keeping these systems in proper working order. Gas will evaporate faster when a car is hot than when it is cool. Keeping a vehicle in a garage or parked in the shade can help slow down natural evaporation. This will increase a vehicle’s fuel economy.
The summer months are a great time for road trips and more. Making certain a vehicle is in shape to handle driving in the heat of summer is important. Taking the time to prevent problems is a valuable investment of time. It could spare you from experiencing the consequences of a breakdown and more.