Now that summer officially begins next week, you might be preparing for upcoming vacations, which means that you’ll be getting your car ready for some long trips. It’s hard to say whether it’ll be a particularly hot summer this year, but extreme temperatures do take their toll on our vehicles.
Whether you’re taking off for the shore this summer or just staying around Harford County, it is important to be aware of the problems that can arise when the temperatures also rise.
Your car’s interior can get damaged.
Over time, the plastic areas of your dashboard and other interior elements can begin to crack due to UV damage. These areas can also become discolored. If you have a touch screen in your vehicle, as many newer cars do, it could get damaged by the sun’s rays (in much the same way that your smartphone’s screen could get damaged by heat and sun exposure). The best thing you can do to prevent interior damage to your vehicle is to park in the shade whenever you can. If you don’t have a garage or carport, try to place a sun shield in your windshield when you can.
Your tires can begin to dry rot.
It can take some time, but high temperatures can damage the rubber of your tires, causing them to dry out. The heat also causes the air pressure to increase in your tires, which can make them ride on less of the surface area. When a tire is over-inflated, it causes the center of your tire to wear faster than the outer edges. Try to monitor your tread wear and tire pressure regularly to avoid uneven wear on your tires.
Your battery can lose power.
Your battery is composed of both water and acid, which provide the power. In the heat of summer, the water can evaporate, which exposes the lead plates inside your battery. Later, when the weather turns cold again, your battery will no longer have the amperage needed to start your car. This problem is practically unavoidable, unfortunately. However, being aware of the stress that heat can place on your battery can help you to monitor it as needed.
Anytime that your car is faced with extreme temperatures, it causes stress to the entire vehicle.
From steering to braking, from wiring to suspension, everything takes a beating. So be aware and stay up-to-date on your recommended services. Check your oil and make sure that all of your fluids are topped off. Keep an eye on your tires and make sure that your engine stays free of debris. Did you know that a clean engine runs cooler? It’s because caked-on-debris makes your engine heat up more.
If you need to prepare your car for any season, give Ward Automotive in Bel Air, Maryland a call.
Ward Automotive is a division of Bel Air Autobody, Inc, an autobody repair facility with a reputation for quality repair servicing the residents of Harford County for over twenty years. Our mechanical division called Ward Automotive grew from a need to help our customers receive complete automotive car under one roof. Our seasoned technicians are highly trained, and we possess the latest tools and equipment to service your car right. Why not take your car to the shop that knows your car inside and out?