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How Summer Heat Affects Your Vehicle

This article is sponsored by Lafontaine.

 

It's around this time every year where temperate cities like Chicago and Detroit quickly turn into humid ovens. Heat waves regularly claim lives because bodies are complex pieces of machinery. However, have you ever thought about that piece of machinery in your driveway that sits in the sun all day long? Summer heat affects your vehicle in a litany of ways which can turn into pricey repairs. Here are a few issues that the summer heat can create and how to fix them:

Tacky Tires

During the heat of the summer months your tires will slowly but surely increase in tire pressure. High tire pressure can be a recipe for disaster by itself. However, on extremely hot days this can be paired with the dangerous fact that your tires are more malleable and more susceptible to dry rot. Tire blow-outs are common during summer months because as the air expands in the tire, pressure increases and overinflated tires blow unexpectedly. This can happen anywhere and at any time. Overinflated tires are a recipe for disaster, but there is a way to prevent this.

To avoid a situation like this, simply check your tire pressure with a tire pressure gage. These are relatively cheap and are portable enough to stay in your glove box. The tire pressure reading from each tire should be the same and mimic the manufacturer's recommended pressure per square inch (PSI) located on the side of the driver's side door on a large white sticker. If your tires are overinflated, simply use the tire pressure gauge to hold down the air intake of the tire to let air out. Do this in small steps and monitor the tire pressure to make sure that you don't take too much air out.

Bad Batteries 

Your battery is bound to lose power during the summer months because some fluids inside your battery will begin to evaporate. Also, the heat places added stress to all aspects of the electronic systems, especially when the high demand of an air-conditioner is added to the mix. Therefore, not just the battery can have a bad time during summer months. Connections, tubes and metal wires can become loose or corroded.

To make sure you don't end up stranded, regularly check the charge of your battery to make sure that it stays properly charged. Also, check to make sure connections are tight and there is no corrosion on wires. If there is, it can be safely removed with a water and baking soda mix when applied with a wire sponge while the battery is disconnected.

Red Radiators

Coolant is used more in the dog days of summer and therefore should be checked more often. What is known as "antifreeze" during the winter months is our "coolant" during the summer. When coolant runs out during the summer after a stretch of not being replenished it causes your car to overheat. Driving without coolant is like running a marathon without sweating. The natural way for your vehicle to keep cool is no longer there. It will overheat and leave you stranded. Even worse, this is so bad for your car that the engine could seize up and never work again.

To avoid this, simply monitor how much coolant is in your engine. You can locate the reciprocal for it in the engine bay. Consult your owners manual to be certain of where it is. Once you open the lid there will be markings of what the appropriate amount of coolant should be in the car. If it is low, add more.

Igneous Interiors  

Summer heat and sun is never good for your vehicle's interior, which can get as hot as a fresh igneous, volcanic rock. The UV sunlight will dull your paint color, your leather shine and crack plastic. 

To keep your interior in tip top shape, purchase leather and interior conditioners and apply once monthly. This will serve as a protectant against UV rays and moisturize leather that is drying out. It shines up your interior and keeps it in the best shape that it can be. Make conscious choices to keep your car in the garage or a car port during times that it's parked during summer. Those who park in a parking lot should opt to walk a little bit farther if it means that they can let their can chill in the shade of a tree for the hot day.

Robert Mathius is a Chicago suburb native who currently lives in Tinley Park. He has a passion for the automotive industry in addition to journalism and works to blend his two passions in his writing. Additional automotive reporting by Robert can be found on Examiner.com.

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