- Extreme summer heat can strain various parts of your car, affecting its performance and longevity.
- Heat-related damages include battery failure, tire damage, paint fading, AC system overloading, and engine overheating.
- Proactive measures like window tinting, sunshades, shaded parking, and car covers can protect against heat damage.
- Regular maintenance activities like servicing the AC system and checking tire pressure are also crucial.
- Heat protection maintains the car’s aesthetic and functional integrity and extends its lifespan.
Summer has hit the country, and the scorching heat can leave your car feeling like it’s about to melt. The temperature during this summer has been one of the highest in recent memory. Many people know how high temperatures affect their health, but did you know that extreme heat can also harm your vehicle? From the battery to the AC system, the intense heat can significantly strain your car, causing issues that could affect its functionality and lifespan. Here’s how the summer heat can affect your car and ways you can protect your car from it.
Ways The Summer Heat Can Affect Your Car
There are various ways that the summer heat can negatively affect your car. Here are some of those ways:
1. Battery Failure
The battery is one of the parts highly affected by extreme heat. During the summer, the heat causes the battery fluid to evaporate faster, reducing the battery’s lifespan and leading to failures. If your car battery is old or has been giving you problems, we highly recommend having it checked and possibly replaced to avoid being stranded on a hot summer day.
2. Damage to Tires
High temperatures can cause the air in your tires to expand, leading to overinflated tires. Overinflated tires are more prone to blowouts and wear out faster, so check your tire pressure regularly and keep it at the recommended level to avoid issues.
3. Fading Paint
The sun’s UV rays can also cause colors from paint to fade or crack. This is not just an aesthetic issue, as the paint job protects the car’s metal body and prevents rust from setting in. To prevent fading and cracking, park your car in the shade or under a cover, and regularly wash and wax your car.
4. Overworked AC System
Your car’s AC system is essential during the summer, and high temperatures cause it to work harder than usual. Running your AC system for an extended period without maintenance can cause it to fail, leading to expensive repairs. A simple way to avoid this is to have your AC system serviced before the summer season starts and regularly clean or change the air filter.
5. Overheated Engine
Extreme heat can also cause your car’s engine to overheat. Besides making your drive uncomfortable, an overheated engine can lead to engine failure, leaving you stranded. To reduce the overheating risk, ensure your engine is well-maintained and check the cooling system before the summer season starts.
Proactive Ways to Keep Your Car Safe From The Heat
Thankfully, there are some easy preventive measures you can take to keep your car safe from the heat. Here are four tips:
Install Window Tint
It’s good to have something protecting the interior of your vehicle. This is why you need to install window tint. It can keep your car cooler and protect the interior from sun damage and fabric, plastic, and leather fading. You can visit a local window tinting service to do this for you. They can install the right tint for your windows and even customize it to your liking.
Use Sunshade for Your Windshield
A sunshade can help keep the inside of your car cool and protect the dashboard from sun damage. It also prevents fading of digital screens, steering wheels, and other parts of the interior exposed to sunlight. You can buy a pre-made one or make one yourself at home.
Park Under the Shade
Parking under a shade can reduce the direct sunlight exposure to your car’s body, paint, and windows. This also helps keep the interior of your car cooler. If you don’t have access to a garage or shade at home, look for one near you when parking for extended periods.
Use a Reflective Car Cover
A reflective car cover protects your car from the summer heat. It reflects most of the sun’s UV rays, keeping your car cool while preventing fading of paint and interior fabrics. You can get an all-weather cover that will protect your car from multiple elements like rain, snow, dust, and dirt.
Taking proactive measures and following these tips can help protect your car from the summer heat. Remember that regular maintenance, such as oil changes and tire rotation, is also essential for keeping your car running smoothly during this season and beyond.