How to Prep Your Car for Summer Heat

August 19th, 2016 by Eli P

Summertime is here, and that means the weather is heating up. Here’s how to prep your car to withstand the summer heat.

• Check the air conditioning.

  Run your air conditioning with the engine on to see if it blows cold. Listen for any strange noises or the smell of unpleasant odors. If you notice any problems, have the air conditioning unit checked by your mechanic.

• Check the engine cooling system.
 

  Car engines are more likely to overheat during the summer, so it’s important to keep the cooling system in good shape. Experts recommend flushing and refilling your coolant system every 24 months. In between, check the level and condition of the coolant on a regular basis.

• Switch to summer tires.

  If you live in an area that requires snow tires during the winter, you can save money on gas and get better handling by installing summer tires on your car. Monitor the air pressure on a regular basis to keep your tires properly inflated. This will provide better traction on hot roads and reduce the risk of a blowout.

• Inspect the brakes.

  Hot weather can increase the temperature of your brake system, causing the brake pads to wear out more quickly. Summer rainstorms can also cause your brakes to be less responsive. If you haven’t replaced the pads within the past two years, have them checked by a brake specialist to make sure they’re not too worn.

• Wash and wax the exterior.

  Salt, snow and sludge take a toll on your car’s paint job during the winter, and hot, dry, dusty weather makes it even worse during the summer. To protect the paint and keep your car looking good, give it a thorough washing and waxing, or have it professionally detailed at your local auto body shop.