SUMMER SUNSHINE AND YOUR CAR
Summer is a season many of us look forward to all year long. The summer sunshine and nice weather lets us shed our coats and pull out the shorts and swimwear. Pools open up, beaches fill in, drive-ins start showing, and vacations are planned. What could possibly be any better than this?
Sadly, the summer sunshine comes with its downfalls too, especially in the desert sun. This blog will discuss how hard the summer sun is on a car and why proper care is important for you automobile.
1. The Sun Causes Fading and Cracking
This is the most common problem that cars experience in the summer. The sun’s UV rays cause the color to fade and eventually, if left unchecked, can cause the paint to crack and peel. This not only looks bad but can also lead to rust and other problems.
You can protect your car’s paint job by washing it regularly and waxing it at least once a month. WOW Carwash offers a UV Protectant Wax designed to help combat the Sun’s harsh UV rays on your finish. WOW will also be adding a Ceramic Protectant options for WOW wash Guests which has a stronger protection against the sun than wax alone.
2. The Heat Can Affect Your Tires
The heat causes the air in your tires to expand, which can lead to a blowout if you’re not careful. It’s important to check your tire pressure regularly during the summer months to avoid this problem.
You can find the recommended tire pressure for your car in the owner’s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s door.
3. The Heat Can Also Affect Your Battery
The heat can cause your battery to overheat and eventually fail. This is especially true in hot climates.
To avoid this problem, make sure the battery is properly ventilated and check the fluid level regularly. You should also have the battery tested every year to make sure it’s still in good condition.
4. The Heat Makes Your Engine Work Harder
The heat makes your engine work harder, which can lead to a breakdown. To avoid this, make sure you get regular tune-ups and oil changes. You should also keep an eye on the coolant level and make sure it’s always full. Also, be sure that vents in the grill or hood are not blocked, allowing proper airflow while driving.
5. The Heat Can Cause Your Car to Overheat
If your car overheats, it can cause serious damage to the engine. To avoid this, make sure you keep an eye on the temperature gauge and don’t push your car too hard in hot weather. If you do start to overheat, pull over and turn off the engine as soon as possible. In some situations, opening the vent to outside air with the windows down and air system turned off can help cool an engine to prevent overheating.
In closing
Summer is a great time of year, but it’s important to take care of your car to avoid problems. These are just a few of the things that can go wrong if you don’t take care of your vehicle during the summer months. So be sure to wash and wax your car regularly to protect it against the summer sunshine, check the tire pressure and fluid levels, and get regular tune-ups to keep your car in top condition all summer long.
BONUS TIP:
Keep a water bottle or two in your vehicle during the summer so that if you break down, you will have a way to remain hydrated in the summer heat. It is bad enough for your car to overheat, we definitely don’t want you to overheat.