Protect your car from the extreme summer heat with these maintenance tips. Keep it running smoothly, avoid costly repairs, and extend its lifespan.
When the summer sun beats down mercilessly, your vehicle can take a serious hit if it’s not properly protected. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat affects everything from the interior materials to the engine performance. But don’t worry—with the right steps, you can keep your car cool, functional, and intact. Here’s how to protect your vehicle from extreme heat.
Park in the Shade or Garage
Parking your car in the shade or a covered garage is one of the simplest ways to prevent heat damage. Direct sunlight heats the interior and exterior, leading to faded paint and a hot interior that feels like an oven. Whenever possible, look for shaded spots under trees or buildings to keep your car from baking under the sun.
Use a Car Cover
A high-quality car cover shields your vehicle from sunlight and helps keep it cooler. Heat-reflective covers are an excellent option, as they protect both the exterior paint and the interior components from UV damage. Make it a habit to cover your car if you regularly park outside for extended periods of time.
Tint Your Windows
Window tinting blocks harmful UV rays and significantly reduces interior heat buildup. Beyond keeping your car cooler, tinted windows protect materials like the dashboard and seats from cracking or fading over time. Just make sure your window tint complies with local regulations to avoid fines.
Vent Windows Slightly
Cracking your windows open minimally allows heat to escape and prevents excessive pressure buildup inside the car. Leaving a tiny gap helps reduce the temperature inside, especially if your car is parked directly under the sun. Just keep the windows small enough to avoid compromising security.
Protect the Dashboard With a Cover
Heat from the sun damages dashboards, causing cracks and discoloration. Placing a dashboard cover acts as a protective layer, maintaining its appearance and extending its lifespan. Opt for a lightweight, UV-resistant cover for the best results.
Regularly Check Tire Pressure
Hot pavement combined with underinflated tires increases the risk of dangerous blowouts. Check your tire pressure weekly during the summer to avoid overheating and accidents. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended pressure levels for optimal safety and performance.
Inspect Coolant Levels Frequently
The engine works harder to stay cool in extreme heat, and coolant plays a critical role in preventing overheating. Low coolant levels can lead to engine damage, leaving you stranded. Regularly inspect and top off your coolant to keep your engine running smoothly in high temperatures.
Condition Leather Seats
Leather seats crack and deteriorate when exposed to extended heat. Use a high-quality leather conditioner to maintain their quality and prevent damage. Conditioning your seats protects their texture and keeps them looking great, regardless of the outside temperature.
Use a Windshield Sunshade
A windshield sunshade shields your interior from direct sunlight, keeping the steering wheel and seats cool to the touch. Investing in a foldable, reflective sunshade minimizes heat buildup inside your car and prevents discoloration on the dashboard and other surfaces.
Stay on Top of Maintenance
Heat can exacerbate existing issues, making regular vehicle maintenance even more essential during the summer. Request inspections for the cooling system and battery, as summer heat can take a toll on the battery’s performance. Ensure your car’s fluids, including oil and transmission fluid, are at the correct levels to maintain optimal performance.
Extreme heat doesn’t have to damage your vehicle. Following these steps will keep your car in great condition under the summer sun. It’s always worth the effort to protect your ride and avoid unnecessary repairs. Start incorporating these tips today and maximize your vehicle’s lifespan and performance.