Changing of seasons is a reminder that you should catch up on your car maintenance. With warm weather, you may be getting ready for long trips. However, extreme heat tends to take its toll on vehicles. As you drive, you should be aware of the potential problems during the warm months.
For example, your car’s interior may get damaged. You may start noticing cracks on plastic parts due to exposure to UV light. Also, your battery may lose power due to extreme temperatures. Batteries contain acid and water, which can evaporate and expose the lead plates. Here are some tips to get your car ready for the warm months:
Check the Tires
Tires are some of the most critical parts of a car and tend to bear more abuse than other accessories during warm weather. Experts recommend going for tires designed for extreme temperatures as opposed to those meant for all seasons. Ensure you only deal with reputable tire dealers. Besides the exterior sidewall, check the exterior and tread of your car tires.
If you live in dry areas, it may be easy to ignore gradual wear. You need to understand how to identify wear signs as this enables you to diagnose some problems before they cause further damages during warm weather. If the tires tend to wear more on the outside, that’s a sign of under-inflation.
Inspect the Fluid Levels
You may have seen overheated cars on the side of the road when there’s warm weather. Extreme temperatures can lead to low fluid levels, resulting in a breakdown or necessitating significant repairs. Always check the fluid level to avoid being stranded miles away from your destination.
One of the essential fluids is known as the coolant. It protects engine parts and prevents overheating due to extreme temperatures. If the coolant is rusty or cloudy, you should consider replacing it. You should also maintain the motor oil and brake fluid at the recommended level.
Protecting Your Car’s Paint
Over time, warm weather damages your car paint. The good news is that you can employ several tips to prevent sun damage when dealing with high temperatures. First, wash your vehicle regularly. Avoid washing your car in direct sunlight and apply automotive cleaning products. Then use a dry cotton rag to dry it. Secondly, consider waxing. Besides making your car shiny, waxing is a proven way of protecting the paint from the sun’s UV rays.
A new season may mean different measures for protecting a car. Extreme heat can cause numerous problems to your vehicle. However, the above tips help you to get the car ready for warm weather.