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Summer car care: 8 tips to protect your vehicle from extreme heat

Several parts of India are reeling under heatwaves, particularly the northwest and central regions. Tackling the scorching sun is a challenge not only for us, but also our vehicles. Parked out in the sun, caught in slow-moving traffic on a sunny day, or neglecting pre-summer protection measures all this can take a negative toll on your car. In the long run, the exposure to intense temperatures could damage your car and accelerate its aging process.

It's thus important to take a few additional measures to ensure the longevity and reliability of your car through the hot weather. Most of these can be handled at authorised service centres or dealers, or even independent garages.

So here are a few areas that require a car owner's undivided attention:

Keeping the cabin cool

One should always try to park the car in shade, but when absolutely unavoidable, keeping the windows slightly down aids in cross-ventilation and extracting heated air from the cabin. Needless to say, make sure the window isnt rolled down too much; it poses as a security risk.

Keeping the windows cracked open allows for cross ventilation

When parked in the sun, sticking a sun shade to your windows is also one of the most sure-fire ways to keep a fair bit of heat at bay. Remember to use a sunshade on your rear window as well, especially if youre going to park the car for over an hour. Use these visors only when parked as it is illegal to keep them while on the move.

Get your AC serviced

A car's AC takes the most load on a hot day. Air-conditioning systems, as we all know, are service-intensive. The compressor oil needs to be topped up regularly to help protect the unit. There are regular coolant leaks, while dust and dirt can cause the system to overload and malfunction. Hence, get your car's AC unit checked by a qualified technician before summer hits its peak.

A common summer complaint from car owners is that their car's air conditioner takes too long to cool down the cabin. Irrespective of how powerful your AC unit is, it takes time due to all the heat trapped in the car, especially when parked under direct sunlight. To avoid this, once you enter the car, roll down the windows first and let some of the heat escape. Switch to the highest fan setting and wait for a couple of minutes. Once you feel that the cars interior temperature is matching the outside, roll up the windows and switch the AC on.

Monitor your tyre pressure

Despite playing a key role at tarmac-level, tyres are one of the most neglected parts of a car. In fact, sadly, some owners arent even aware of the recommended pressure levels. This can prove to be particularly disastrous during the summer, when poor inflation can push a car's tyres to destruction in a very short time.

Poor tyre-pressure management on a hot day could destroy your sidewall since the softer rubber is more prone to damage. On poor roads, this could even result in the tyres bursting. So, during summer, make sure you increase your tyre pressure by 3-5psi and keep a close eye on your tyres.

Ensure correct pressure in your tyres to prevent excessive degradation

Remember to check the condition and air pressure of your car's spare tyre as well especially since it could turn out to be a lifesaver on a scorching summer day. Also, get the tyres properly aligned and balanced to avoid excessive tyre wear.

Get your radiator serviced, coolant topped up

Everyone and everything needs a steady supply of fluids in the summer months. A good quality coolant is one of the most important fluids for your car to get it through the heat. In fact, one of the most common causes of vehicles breaking down during summer is the engine overheating due to low coolant levels. Remember to check the coolant level in your car and top it up if its low.

If your car is more than three years old, get the radiator serviced before the summer haze and while you are at it, check for any leaks. Also make sure you use the correct coolant. Using a cheaper one may seem like an attractive option, but it may prove to cause problems in the long run.

Check engine and transmission fluids

Heat will make you burn through engine oil like it's going out of style. Nothing destroys engine oil faster; and this is especially true if your car has oil which is already old and partly destroyed. So, check your engine-oil levels routinely and get it topped up with the right oil. Alternatively, you could also drain the engine oil and use a more heat-resistant grade which is made to retain its viscosity, and reduce wear and tear under extreme operating conditions. Also get the fluid levels of the power steering, brake and transmission units checked, since these could be potential weak links.

Engine and transmission fluids and radiator coolant must be topped up to keep them in optimal condition

Hoses and belts

While being driven, the car's engine bay reaches rather high temperatures. Replacing parts once they reach a particular level of wear and tear is important. Otherwise, they wont be able to withstand the high operating temperatures. Parts like hoses and belts suffer exceptionally more since they are made up of rubber compounds. Once something like a rubber hose gets hardened, it's only a matter of time until it ruptures. A physical check is really effective in this case. Check all clamps and clips too, and keep in mind that a loose clamp can be due to regular pressure build-up.

Battery care

Excessive heat reduces battery life by causing the fluid inside to evaporate quicker. It even speeds up the chemical reaction inside a battery, leading to overcharging. Get the battery checked to find out if its charging at the correct rate. Also check for any corrosion on the battery terminals, ensure they are free of dirt and that all cable connections are secure. Most new cars come equipped with zero-maintenance batteries; but if your car uses a battery that needs regular distilled water top-ups, check fluid levels more often during the summer.

Polish protection

We normally associate a good coat of wax or polish with something which is only cosmetic. This is incorrect a good polish will go a long way in protecting your car's paint from heating up excessively. This is because it forms a layer of protective wax on the paint that reflects a significant portion of the sun's heat. So, polish your car before summers arrived and, if possible, try and select a polish that adds a layer of protection to your paint as well.

Do you have any tips that could further make driving in summers pleasant? Let us know in the comments below.

Also See:

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10 Efficient Air Conditioning Strategies to Cool Your Home Effectively

During the summer, scorching temperatures can drastically impact your electricity bills. Fortunately, there are tips and tricks to help homeowners keep utility bills low, while still staying cool and comfortable in the summer heat. Below, we share 10 efficient air conditioning tips to cool your home.

Maintain Your Current Air Conditioner

Your air conditioner is the appliance that draws the most energy to warm or cool your home. Ensuring your AC unit is properly maintained is a key strategy in achieving efficient air conditioning, keeping this core system running optimally.

• Replace and clean your air filter each season.
• Clear any vegetation around your AC unit.
• Check the pilot light for proper operation.
• Clear off the registers to ensure unobstructed airflow.
• Test the thermostat to confirm its functioning correctly.

At Modernize, we recommend homeowners schedule a yearly, or bi-annual, maintenance appointment with an air conditioning professional. They will help clean your system and ensure everything is running smoothly.

Use Fans to Help Cool Rooms

While home, use ceiling and standing fans to help you feel more comfortable. During the summer, your ceiling fans should be set to operate counter-clockwise. An oscillating portable fan can also be used to help cool you down and help with efficient air conditioning.

During and after a shower, use your bathroom fan to help remove heat and humidity. This fan should be vented to the outside of your home to work efficiently.

To keep your utility bill low, be sure to turn off all fans when you leave a room.

Repair Leaking Air Ducts

According to EnergyStar.gov, 20% of the air that moves through a homes duct system is lost due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts. This causes high utility bills and higher temperatures inside of your home.

Sealed ducts (combined with proper attic insulation) can significantly improve the cooling efficiency in your home. Checking for and repairing leaks will also improve the overall performance of your air conditioner.

Repair Window Leaks and Cracks

Window leaks can occur when window seals are broken or damaged from aging or long-term weather exposure. Leaks allow air inside your home to escape, and also may allow drafts and rain to seep into your home. Caulking is an affordable, DIY task.

Keep Your Thermostat Clear

Your thermostat may be providing a false reading to your air conditioning system if its placed too close to a fireplace, lamp, or any other heat-producing object. This can cause your air conditioner to try to cool your home more than needed causing your bill to rise. Make sure the area around your thermostat is clear to provide the most accurate reading.

Keep Your Air Conditioner Clear, Too.

Just as you want to keep the area around your thermostat clear, make sure your air conditioning unit is not positioned in direct sunlight and plants are trimmed around it. This will allow your unit to provide more efficient air conditioning.

Program Your Thermostat

Cooling an empty home is not efficient. Using a programmable thermostat can help regulate the temperature inside your home while you are out. Instead, automate the temperature of your home. Energy.gov shares that homeowners can save up to 10% on heating and cooling by adjusting a thermostat back 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day from its normal setting.

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During the summer, program your thermostat for the bulk of the day to a high temperature that is comfortable and ensures humidity control.

Keep Out The Sun

Direct sunlight will also impact the comfort of your home. A homes east and west facing windows will receive the most sun, and during the summer are at risk for high heat gain. Drawn curtains and blinds can help keep your interior cool and comfortable.

There are many options to fit your homes style and preference, but its worth noting that Energy.gov reports that medium-colored draperies, with white-plastic backings, can reduce heat gains by 33%.

Install Solar Screens Or Film on Your Windows

If you dont already have energy-efficient windows installed, consider adding insulated window films to your home. Homeowners have multiple film options which can help reduce heat gain, block ultraviolet rays, reduce glare, and improve privacy. Many options are available at home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowes.

Invest in New Energy Efficient Systems

You will see an immediate difference in your electric bill and the comfort of your home when you invest in updated, energy-efficient appliances.

Air Conditioning Units:

AC units have energy efficient ratings to help homeowners select the best unit for their home. Air conditioners have both a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating that notes the efficiency of the cooling system. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the system. The minimum standard SEER is 13 for air conditioners. They also have an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). This rating is based on how a unit would react to an outside temperature of 95 degrees, an inside temperature of 80 degrees, and humidity of 50%.

Energy.gov also states that modern air conditioners use 30 to 50% less energy to produce the same amount of cooling as air conditioners made in the mid-1970s. You may save 20 to 40% of your cooling energy costs by replacing a 10+ year model with a newer, more efficient model.

Windows:

Energy-efficient windows are designed to prevent your heated or cooled air from escaping from your home. These windows have increased insulation, which helps reduce your homes energy usage and can help decrease your energy bill.

When browsing window brands, look for windows that contain the EnergyStar logo. This notes that the window meets a variety of energy efficient standards and restrictions.

This summer, keep your home cool with the timeless tips above. When youre ready to invest in energy efficient appliances, we can help.