We know Winter can wreak havoc on your vehicle, but Summer has its challenges as well. As the days begin to get warmer, you’ll want to take precautions to keep your vehicle in good condition. Here are some areas to keep an eye on:
Interior
Sun and heat can damage your vehicle’s interior. Although general wear and tear along with time can always cause some damage, there are steps you can take to slow these issues. A common problem spot is the plastic areas of your dashboard, which can crack and become discolored due to UV damage. If you have a touch screen in your vehicle, just like your phone, avoid exposing it to heat and sun as much as possible. The best thing to do for your interior is to park in the shade or use a sunshade in your windshield to protect from harmful UV rays and keep the temperature lower.
Tires
Two of the main concerns with heat are dry rot and over-inflation. While it takes time, hot weather can damage the rubber of your tires, drying them out. Known as dry rot, it’s characterized by cracks in the rubber and tread, which can impact how the car handles. Heat also increases the air pressure in your tires, causing overinflation. The result is uneven treadwear. Tires are an important part of vehicle maintenance and safety. Monitor your tire pressure and the wear on your treads to prevent damage and keep you safe!
Battery
The weather has always been a component of how your battery works. In the winter it can get so cold that you have a tough time getting it to start. In the summer, high temperatures can evaporate the liquid in your battery, weaken the charge, and possibly corrode the internal components. This is referred to as heat deterioration. While this is almost unavoidable, there are small things you can do to hinder the impact of heat on your battery. Park in the shade when possible, limit short or unnecessary car trips and make sure to keep your battery and posts clean.
General Stress
Extreme temperatures on both sides of the spectrum cause their own set of problems. The best way to offset this is to keep up with general maintenance and take care of your vehicle the best you can. Debris on your engine can cause overheating, heat for your tires can cause uneven wear and tear, and lack of fluid in your battery can cause sluggish and unreliable behavior. Know how the weather impacts your vehicle and do your best to prevent premature damage!
For all your vehicle needs and routine maintenance, trust The Shop! Call today to schedule your contact-free service.