As we all know, it has been a hot one in Tulsa this summer. What you may not know is how that heat can affect your car. If you are not careful and aware then damage caused by the heat could leave you stranded or with large repair bills. Here are some things to keep in mind as you take care of your car as we head into the fall.
When we drive around town we pay attention to and avoid hazards like nails, glass and debris that may damage our tires. Heat is a comparable hazard to our tires and there are some precautions we need to take to prevent damage caused by the heat. Road temperatures can exceed air temperatures by 10-15 degrees and with the temps we hit in Tulsa this summer that is pushing the surface temperatures of the roads near 130 degrees Fahrenheit. The extreme heat increases the stress on tread cracks, sidewall bubbles, bald spots and makes other deficiencies worse. Any of these issues can cause your tires to blowout, especially at highway speeds.
To prevent your tires from suffering a heat-related blowout you should inspect your tires for proper inflation and take a close look at your tread depth. Make sure there are no other signs of wear or damage and you can also use a protectant containing UV protection that will help maintain the elasticity of the rubber.
Beyond your tires, your battery is also vulnerable to the stresses of a hot summer. High temperatures can accelerate your battery’s chemical operation and can cause internal fluids to evaporate, which will make the battery burn out quicker. You do not want to be stuck in a car with 100+ temperatures and no battery to operate your air conditioning. Preventing damage to your battery may be as simple as keeping it clean. Make sure the terminals are free of corrosion. If they are not, then apply a solvent of water and baking soda with some steel wool to get rid of any corrosion. Also have your battery checked at regular intervals by a professional mechanic; if your battery cannot hold a charge it could be a sign of a problem with your alternator.
Even modern engineering and new cars use belts and hoses to move essential fluids and turn fans to help maintain the proper operating temperature for engines. These parts are vulnerable to the increase in heat. Because you cannot always see damages that may lie inside hoses or on the underside of belts, you need to make sure that you have your belts and hoses inspected regularly by professional mechanics and you need to replace them when they are damaged.
One thing you might not think about being affected by the heat is your paint. Constant direct sunlight can damage the finish on your car and can cause paint, rubber and plastic trim to fade, crack or peel. Extreme heat can also cause the temperature inside your car to rise to a point where your upholstery can fade, dry out or crack. In the absence of a garage or other covered parking, you may consider a cover for your car. You should also wax your car as an essential process for protecting the paint color and finish. Interior protectants should be applied to help keep upholstery from drying out and cracking.
The most expensive part of your car that is stressed by the heat is your transmission. With so many internal parts under increased stress during high temperatures it is essential to keep your transmission properly maintained. If your daily routine includes stop and go driving or hauling heavy loads, it is critical to make sure your vehicle is in the top condition possible during the summer. Keep on top of your scheduled maintenance including filter and fluid changes and be aware of your car’s towing capacity. You have to make yourself knowledgeable of your car’s limitations and stop short of testing them.
It is easy to get complacent during the summer heat and let your car’s condition slip. If you want to take the appropriate steps to prevent damage to your car, it is as easy as paying attention to your car and taking a close look at the vulnerable parts listed in this article. Maybe the number one tip for you to remember is that when in doubt take your car to a certified mechanic and get their opinion.
From all of us here at Nelson Nissan, we hope that your vehicle is staying cool this summer as best it can! Don’t forget to tune in to KJRH tomorrow morning between 8 – 10 a.m. and see what amazing deals we are offering on our lot!
