After staying home for several months, the summer sun becomes a welcomed visitor. We turn on our A/C, prepare the lemonade, and lather on the sunblock, forgetting about our beloved vehicles. When the temperature rises outside, it’s essential we also prioritize the safety of our car. We can prevent significant engine damage by making an extra effort to keep our vehicles protected from the sun.
Here are some helpful tips to keep your vehicle safe in the blistering summer sun:
Park in the shade.
If you have to make a road trip, it’s always best to choose a shady area to park your vehicle. Just as the shade helps protect our skin from the sun, the shade also protects your vehicle. If there aren’t any available shaded parking spots, use a sunshade to limit the amount of heat that flows into your car. Some retailers also sell window shades that shield your vehicle from the sun’s UV rays. If you have a few extra dollars to spend, it may be worth getting your sun shades custom made to fit your specific windows.
Get your windows tinted.
Tinted windows can provide protection from UV rays, protect the interior of your car from sun damage, and keep your vehicle cool. Your local trusted auto body shop can professionally install window tints for you.
Don’t forget to check the temperature gauge.
We typically keep our eyes on our dashboard to check whether we need gas, illuminated engine lights, or our mph. A temperature gauge is an essential tool also located on your dashboard panel. It shows you the temperature of the coolant in your engine. Coolant helps absorb heat and keep your engine cool. The temperature gauge pointing near the middle is a sign the coolant temperature inside the engine is normal.
Keep extra engine coolant for hot weather drives.
Check with an automotive specialist on the best type of coolant for your vehicle or consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Never put coolant in your car while it’s still hot. When your vehicle is off and adequately cooled down, pop the hood and check your coolant levels. Lines outside the coolant reservoir can identify the coolant levels. Coolant has a life cycle, so make sure it looks fresh and in decent quality. Top your vehicle off with extra coolant before any long drives in the heat. If your coolant levels seem abnormally low, there may be a leak, and you should take your vehicle to get inspected.
Turn off the A/C and crank up the heater.
Turning on the heater may be the last thing you want to do when it’s hot outside. Even though it seems counter-intuitive, the fan will suck the heat from your engine and distribute the air inside your car cabin. Doing this will make the cabin hot and cool your engine.
Following these extra precautions increases the likelihood of having a safe summer road trip. Most drivers use their car for commutes to work, home, and school, so keeping it problem-free is a must. Don’t let the sunburn you out; prepare for a vehicle overheating before it happens. If you suspect your car is overheating, safely pull over and allow it to cool off.
If your vehicle is in need of a diagnosis, we invite you into the trusted choice here in Elk Grove at Prestige Auto Works today!