7 Things to Keep in Mind to Protect Your Vehicle from Heat and Sun

7 Things to Keep in Mind to Protect Your Vehicle from Heat and Sun

The intense sun and heat from the summer can do a number on your vehicle, from damaging the interior to making the paintjob fade. In addition, components of your vehicle can be damaged, like the rubber on wiper blades. Even high-quality blades like those manufactured by Trico will break down if exposed to too much sun.

Luckily, there are a number of steps you can take to minimize the impact of sun and heat on your vehicle. While not all of these steps will be available to you, doing what you can will help protect the longevity of the car and maintain both a good physical appearance and a high resale value.

Some of the actions to keep in mind when it comes to protecting your vehicle from the sun and heat of the summer include:

1. Detailing

While you likely think of getting a vehicle detailed primarily as a way of making it look as nice as possible, this step can also help protect the exterior. Professional detailing involves a number of steps, including clay bar detailing, polishing, and applying sealant.

All of these things help protect your paint from the elements and effects of summer weather. If possible, it is always a good idea to get your vehicle detailed as you head into the summer months. Not only will it look great, but it will also take less damage during this period. You can maintain the protection with regular washes and waxes.

2. Tire inspection

In the summer, it is important to check your tires regularly. Temperature fluctuations can cause problems with tires, since heat makes the air in them expand. Constant exposure to very high temperatures can also damage the rubber of the tires, especially when combined with driving on very hot asphalt.

Check your tire pressure regularly to make sure it is correct and keep an eye out for weak spots or uneven wear. In the summer, you should be proactive about dealing with any issues, even if they seem small, since they can become serious quite quickly.

3. Protective devices

A wide range of protective devices have been designed to keep vehicles in good shape during the summer months. Luckily, these devices are typically inexpensive and easy to install. Using them will help keep your interior cooler for a more pleasant drive and additionally protect surfaces from the sun.

Some pieces of protective equipment to consider include seat covers, sun shades, and dashboard mats. All of these products are designed to keep the sun from baking interior surfaces and they often help reflect heat away from the vehicle and back outside so that it is cooler when you step inside.

4. Engine inspection

Because temperature fluctuations can cause things to shift in your vehicle, it is worthwhile to look under the hood every once in a while. Pay close attention to the battery. The fluid levels in a battery evaporate faster when it is hotter, which can lead to corrosion. Make sure to clean this corrosion off if you notice it.

Also, you should keep an eye on drive belts and hoses as these fail more frequently when the weather is hot. If the belts or hoses show any signs of significant wear or cracking, they should be replaced as soon as possible to avoid dealing with an even worse problem.

5. Fluids

The engine of your vehicle can easily overheat in the summer. To prevent this from happening, you need to check coolant levels often. Make sure the overflow reservoir also has sufficient coolant and top it up if necessary. Also, read the manufacturer’s directions and flush coolant at the recommended interval.

While you are looking at the coolant, it is a good idea to check oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid levels. Top off these levels as necessary to avoid any engine problems.

6. Shade

Whenever possible, you should park your vehicle in a shady area, which will protect it from the sun and help keep it cool. Look for trees or even the shadow of a building to protect the vehicle. Ideally, you can park the vehicle indoors in a garage, but this is not always possible. If you live in a home with a garage, make sure you use it in the summer.

When you drive somewhere, see if there is an affordable parking garage that makes sense to park in rather than just defaulting to the street. While it may cost additional money, it will help keep your car in good working order.

7. Air conditioning

People often experience air conditioning problems during the summer. These systems play an important role in keeping you comfortable and the vehicle as cool as possible. Test your air conditioning by letting it run a couple of minutes before you get on the road to ensure it is working properly.

If you notice any problems, be proactive about fixing them since the air conditioning is so important for keeping you comfortable. You may want to be more formal every now and then with testing and examine each vent for adequate flow and turn the system to max to make sure it is getting properly cool.

About the Author

A native of the tri-state area, Patrick James Smith has cultivated a lifelong love for travel during trips for work and leisure alike. In planning for his travels, he has become well-versed in the art of travel hacking and utilizing credit card rewards points to book free vacations around the globe.