With the summer quickly heating up, now is the time to think about how to care for your car when driving in the hot weather. A few simple precautions will keep your car running in top shape as warmer weather approaches. The following are important tasks that need to be done to ensure your car is ready for summer.
Check the Battery
While the cold is known for being hard on batteries, few people realize that hot weather can also harm the battery. In fact, it can often cause more damage than the cold does. Do a visual inspection of the battery, looking for cracks or leaks. If your battery has removable filler caps, be sure the battery’s fluid level is full. Add distilled water if needed. As hot weather can speed up corrosion, periodically check the posts and clean any corrosion with a scrub brush.
Fill the Coolant System
Without enough coolant, your car can quickly overheat during high temperatures. Check the coolant level frequently by locating the reservoir under the hood. Check the fill line and add coolant if needed. This is an easy step to forget, but will cause major damage to the engine if not properly maintained. While the extreme hot weather is upon us, this is certainly an area you don’t want to overlook.
Tire Maintenance
Hot weather puts additional stress on tires, especially at higher speeds and during long trips. It’s important to regularly check the tires for proper inflation. Check the owner’s manual for recommended inflation levels. Since hot weather can cause the air in the tire to expand, always check the pressure when tires are cold. Have the tires rotated every 6,000 miles to ensure even wear.
Avoid Overloading Your Car
As the weather warms up, many people take to the highway for a variety of road trips. It’s important to remember not to overload your vehicle. The load limit can be found in the owner’s manual. Overloading with people, luggage or other heavy items puts additional stress on the car’s engine and tires, which are are already combating the hot weather. Keep the weight under the limit to keep the vehicle operating smoothly and safely.
Desert Oasis European Auto Service and Repair has the skills and knowledge to ensure your European automobile is ready for the extreme temperatures. Bring your car in today and let the pros at Desert Oasis make sure your car is safe and fully prepared to take on the summer heat, and go have some fun in the sun.
