Summer is in full swing, which means it’s time to pack the car with sunscreen and towels and head to the beach for a family vacation.
Whether you’re driving for 15 minutes or 15 hours, your car will endure the intense heat just like you will.
While it’s crucial for you to take care of your body in the heat, your car also requires protection to prevent any damage.
Not only can the sun’s ultraviolet rays harm the exterior of your car, but the interior is equally vulnerable to damage. Here are the top ten ways to protect your car from the heat.
How to protect your car from the heat:
Park in the shade
One of the easiest ways to help your car avoid sunlight is by parking it in a cool, shaded area.
Avoiding direct sunlight helps prevent your dashboard from drying out and cracking, according to State Farm. If it is safe to do so, crack your windows slightly to help reduce the interior temperature.
Maintain tire pressure
Hot pavement and low tire pressure can lead to a blown-out tire. Tires can lose up to one pound of air per month, so it’s essential to check tire pressure frequently in hot conditions.
Check the cooling system
To help prevent your engine from overheating, ensure that all cooling system functions are operating properly.
Having belts checked and draining antifreeze and coolant can help prevent overheating. It’s also important to regularly change the belts and fluids, as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
Check other car fluids
If your car’s fluid levels are below the recommended amounts, there’s a higher risk of overheating.
Make sure to regularly check motor oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid to ensure they are at the recommended levels for your vehicle.
Check vehicle battery
High temperatures combined with heavy use of air conditioning can cause your car battery to wear out and fail more quickly.
It’s a good idea to have the vehicle battery inspected by a professional mechanic to ensure it’s functioning properly.
Wax your car
Heat and sun exposure can fade and even crack car paint, so applying a layer of wax to your car will help protect it from the sun’s UV rays. This is an effective way to shield your car’s exterior.
Invest in a windshield sun protector
Car visors are another easy and effective way to protect your car’s interior from sun damage. By blocking the sun from entering your vehicle, you also help lower the interior temperature.
Apply seat covers
Installing seat covers is a great way to protect seat fabric from heat damage, and they also help keep your seats cooler.
Apply leather conditioner on seats
If your vehicle has leather seats, using a leather conditioner can help prevent cracks and tears that heat can cause.
Drive in the cooler parts of the day
Driving during the cooler hours of the morning or evening, when temperatures aren’t as high, can help avoid heat-related problems.