How to Protect Your Car Against the Summer Heat

Think it’s just winter weather and precipitation that has an impact on your car? Think again. Summer weather takes a major toll on many of your vehicle’s essential components. Luckily, there’s an easy way to ensure that the summer heat doesn’t affect your car’s overall health and performance: scheduling routine inspections from your local expert in automotive services in Madison, TN. When you take your car for a checkup before summer, here are the five major areas to take a look at.

Air conditioning system

First and foremost, check your air conditioning system before the summer heat gets too intense. You probably haven’t turned on the air conditioner for several months, and you won’t know if it’s performing at its best until a very hot day. Whether your system is barely blowing air, blowing hot air or no air at all, take your car to a trusted technician for automotive services in Madison, TN.

Cooling system

You need to stay cool in your car, but your car itself needs to stay cool, too. The number one cause of vehicle breakdowns during the summer months is engine overheating. As a general rule, you should have your coolant system flushed and refilled every 24 months. If you can’t remember the last time you had your coolant serviced, it’s a good sign you need to head to the mechanic before outdoor temperatures get too hot.

Battery

It’s a common misconception that only winter weather leads to dead batteries. In reality, summer heat can have a worse effect on a battery than freezing temperatures. Overheating can lead to internal breakdown and eventual failure of a battery. Hot temperatures can actually evaporate your battery’s fluids, weaken its charge and even speed up the corrosion process. While you can’t control the weather, you can get your battery checked to determine how much longer it’s likely to last. Visit your local mechanic to perform a quick battery test and replace it if necessary. It could mean the difference between avoiding a breakdown and getting stranded during the hottest times of the year.

Oil change

Periodic oil changes are necessary to keep your car on the road. When changing oil in the summer, it’s best to switch to a thicker grade of oil, such as a 10W30. Summer heat thins the oil, so starting out with a thicker grade will help your engine run more efficiently during the warmer months. Ask your oil change professional if they offer a summer oil treatment, which can reduce the operating temperature of your engine.

Windshield wipers

Sudden summer downpours are all too common in a place like Madison, TN, which is why you need to have your wiper blades checked regularly. Hot air can dry and crack wiper blades, making them ineffective. As a general rule, it’s a good idea to swap out the blades prior to the summer weather.

Gear up for even the hottest summer weather by taking your car to your trusted provider for automotive services in Madison, TN. Contact Rivergate Muffler & Auto Repair today to schedule your pre-summer checkup.

Categorised in: Auto AC Service, Refrigerant

This post was written by Writer