Scorching Temperatures Affect Vehicles
Scorching Temperatures Affect Vehicles
One of the things which affect vehicles adversely is our summer temperatures. As the thermometer climbs, so does the possibility for heat-related issues with our cars. Here are some of the potential problems and how to avoid them:
Belt and hoses
While the construction of belts and hoses has improved dramatically, they still crack and wear down. This is of particular significance in the summer, when soaring temperatures can turn a broken belt or split hose into an overheated radiator in short order. The magic belt number is 85,000 miles, at which point the vehicle has an 80% chance of belt failure.
Tires
High temperatures can sorely wear on your vehicle’s ‘feet.' Hot blacktop, combined with the weight of the vehicle and high speeds such as freeway driving during vacations, is a recipe for a flat tire.
Battery issues
Heat wears down a car battery faster than cooler temperatures. Don’t be shy about having your battery tested, especially if you have had it more than three years.
Keep an eye on the temperature guage.
Cooling products
Oil and radiator fluid levels in your engine are the two things which keep it from overheating. In the summer, keeping them topped off might mean the difference between a car overheating and not.
Vehicle interior
When your car is parked, it only takes between a half hour to an hour for the car to become 50% hotter. So, after an hour in 90-degree weather, the inside of a car will climb about 45 degrees. This number fluctuates depending on several factors, including the color of the car, but these temperatures are dangerous since you can burn your hands on the steering wheel and unprotected skin on the seats.
What you can do
- Check beneath the hood on a regular basis, or be meticulous about having the car serviced, including having the fluid, belts, and hoses checked. Maintenance can cost you some money, but may also save you a breakdown, the cost of a tow or radiator. Don’t forgo the antifreeze, either, since it acts as a coolant in summer.
- Check your tires often, at least once a month, especially in the summer.
- Have your battery tested, especially if it is over three years old. Keep battery cables, a charger or the number of your road service handy.
Winter AND summer!
Seek shade whenever you park your car. Use shade screens and crack the windows slightly to allow heat to escape. Use a cool-temperature steering wheel cover during summer months, and keep a towel handy if you have leather seats. Never leave pets or children in a car, even if it doesn’t seem that hot at the moment. Remember--you can expect a 50% increase in half hour to an hour.
Before you know it, summer will be over, but meanwhile, these tips will help you keep your car in good shape and on the road in hot weather.
Stay cool!