Don’t Let the Summer Sun Take Its Toll on Your Car
As Nevada’s summer temperatures soar well into the 90s, you probably notice that your vehicle takes a little extra time to cool down after it’s been sitting outside for a while. According to Live Science, after being parked in the sun on a 95-degree day for an hour, the inside of a car hits an average of 116 degrees. The dashboard gets even hotter at 157 degrees, the surface of the steering wheel reaches an average of 127 degrees and the seats are a searing 123 degrees on average.
Unfortunately, that heat isn’t just uncomfortable; over time, it can take a big toll on your vehicle’s interior, exterior and engine. Taking a few extra precautions during the summer can help keep your vehicle safer and more comfortable.
Tips for Protecting Your Car in Hot Weather
Check Your Battery:
High temperatures and use of your vehicle’s air conditioner and blower fan can cause your battery to wear out a bit faster than normal. To avoid being greeted by a dead car battery after a long day of work, have your mechanic check your vehicle’s battery on a regular basis. It’s not out of the normal to change batteries every couple of years in these
Check Fluid Levels:
While it’s always good to be mindful of your car’s fluid levels, including its transmission fluid, motor oil, power steering fluid and brake fluid, it’s especially important when it’s hot outside.
Avoid Direct Sunlight:
When it’s possible, park your vehicle in the shade. If parking in the shade isn’t possible, consider getting a windshield sun protector.
Keep Your Dash Dust-Free:
On a weekly basis, give your dash a quick swipe with a microfiber cloth to remove dust, which can cause tiny scratches that worsen over time.
Use a Leather Conditioner:
As anyone who has sat on leather seats on a hot day while wearing shorts, those seats get hot.
Car Air Conditioning; How to Maximize the Cool
Is Your Car’s Air Conditioning Performing at Peak Capacity?
If you’ve ever driven on a sizzling summer day in Southern Nevada, then you already know what an important job your car air conditioner has. On a 100-degree day, a car’s interior can heat up to about 140-degrees within an hour. Driving around with less than cool, or worse, lukewarm air can make an already miserable day almost unbearable.
Tips on How to Cool Down Your Car This Summer
If your car’s A/C isn’t up to the job of keeping you cool, try following these suggestions to maximize your comfort through the blistering summer months.
Start by Parking in the Shade When Possible:
Although technically, there is no difference in temperature when parked in the shade, being in direct sunlight and the sun’s radiation makes the air inside your car feel anywhere from 10 to 15 degrees hotter. Parking in a shady spot starts the air out cooler, which in turn, helps your car cool down faster.
Open a Window:
If it’s safe to do so, leave your vehicle’s windows open just a couple of inches to let hot air escape.
If parking in the shade isn’t available, create some for your vehicle by putting up a windshield and/or window shades. The bonus to these shades is that they can also protect your dashboard and interior from damage.
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Don’t Pre-Cool Your Car:
Your air conditioner works better when there’s actual airflow running through it. It’s also better for gas mileage and battery life in an electric or hybrid car to wait until the car is moving to turn on your A/C.
If the interior of the car is extremely hot when you first get inside, crack the back windows for up to 20 seconds and turn on the fan. This will force all the hot air out while bringing in cooler air.
Avoid Turning on Max A/C Right Away:
On the hottest days of the year, it can be tempting to set your A/C to the max, thinking that you will get the coldest setting quickly. But did you know that when you set it to the max setting, you are actually pulling air from the inside of the car? Instead of drawing air from inside the car, start by turning the A/C button temporarily off, while putting the fan at its maximum speed. After some of the hot air has left the vehicle, it’s time to turn on the A/C. Once you’ve activated the A/C, then hit the max cool and recirculate the air so that your car is consistently getting cooler air running through it.
Replace the Cabin Air Filter:
Just as the name suggests, the cabin air filters out dirt and dust through the air. As time goes on, they can get dirty or clogged, preventing air from flowing through. Failure to change them out according to your owner’s manual can lead to an overworked A/C system and reduced cooling performance.
Make Sure the A/C Condenser is Clean:
Much like with the A/C filter, dirt and debris can build up along the airflow path, leading to a widely less effective cooling system. Ensuring that it is periodically inspected and cleaned for optimal operation will keep you cool longer.
Check for Any Leaks:
If you notice that your car is taking a long time to cool down, then you may need to have your car’s refrigerant charge level checked. Using a vehicle’s air conditioning unit over a long period of time, especially during an extremely hot summer, can lead to some loss of the system’s refrigerant.
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Driving with Worn Shocks and Struts Can Be Dangerous
Shocks and struts are important parts of your vehicle’s suspension system. Ensuring that they are replaced when necessary, helps keep your vehicle in roadworthy condition.
Signs That It Is Time to Replace Your Shocks and Struts
Knowing when it is time to replace your vehicle’s shocks and struts can be hard, mainly because the way they affect your car’s performance can be hard to notice. Changes are gradual, and especially if you drive your car every day, you may not notice that anything is wrong. Knowing what to watch for can help you know when to replace the shocks and struts.
♦ Leaking Fluid on the Shocks and Struts
This may indicate that a seal has gone bad, letting hydraulic fluids escape.
♦ Tires are Showing Uneven Wear
When your car’s shocks and struts have worn out, the car may bounce. This can cause the tires to wear out more quickly. Instead of the tread wearing down evenly, it may wear down in a wavy pattern. You may also notice places on your tires where pieces of rubber are gouged out.
♦ Nose Dive When Braking
If you hit your brakes hard and notice that the front of your car dips to the ground, it may be time to see a mechanic. This is a danger because it can increase your car’s stopping distance.
♦ Rear of Car Squats When Accelerating
If you quickly accelerate your vehicle and your front end rises while the rear end squats, then your shocks and struts are no longer doing their job. When they function properly, they stabilize suspension movement while accelerating. When they do not function as they should, the vehicle’s momentum transfers to the car’s rear, causing it to dip.
♦ The Tires Bounce
A little bounce is normal when you are driving over an uneven surface. However, after you go over a bump, your vehicle should settle quickly and not continue to bounce. Worn shocks and struts cannot effectively absorb the impact and soften the bump. In some cases, you may even hear a clunking noise.
♦ Instability on the Highway
Your vehicle should drive evenly at highway speeds rather than moving up and down. The car sways when turning a corner. If your shocks and struts are worn, your vehicle may lean to the side when you take a sharp turn or are on an off-ramp.
How Often Should I Replace Shocks and Struts?
For most people, shocks and struts only need to be replaced every 75,000 to 90,000 miles. If you tow a boat or trailer or regularly drive on unpaved roads, they may wear out between 40,000 and 50,000 miles.
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Even owners of well-maintained vehicles can face unexpected circumstances. To ensure that you are never stranded, consider adding roadside assistance to your auto insurance policy. An auto insurance agent can help you build the best policy for your needs and budget, no matter the condition of your vehicle.
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