How to Keep Your Car Running in the Summer Heat
August is the hottest month of the year, which means it can also be one of the most brutal months on your car. Summer trips and high temperatures can often result in breakdowns on the highway. However, there are ways that you can beat the summer heat and keep your car running all summer long.
The Summer Heat Is On! Is Your Car Ready for It?
When it comes to keeping your car from breaking down during the summer months, maintenance is often key. Checking your car and fixing minor problems now will keep big problems from unfolding later. Here are some areas to start checking:
- Tires – Tires are important because they are how your car grips the road. If there are problems with your tires, you may start having control issues. Check your tire pressure to make sure they are properly inflated according to your vehicle’s manual. Low tires can overheat quickly, especially in summer months, and this can result in a blowout. Periodically check your tires to make sure they are at optimum pressure.
- Battery – If your battery isn’t working, then your engine won’t start and you won’t be able to use your car’s air conditioning. This can be dangerous when dealing with summer heat. Check the contact points on your battery and make sure there’s no corrosion. You should also make sure that your battery is properly seated because vibrations can also cause problems. If your battery is over three years old, you may also want a technician to check it to see how much longer it will last.
- Fluids – When it comes to engines, fluids are like blood. The engine needs them to function properly and stay cool. For instance, oil provides lubrication to prevent engine parts from grinding against each other. This prevents the build-up of heat and debris, which keeps the engine from breaking down. This is why it’s important to check your oil levels and to make sure any oil leaks you find are fixed. You also need to make sure your radiator is flushed and properly filled. Your radiator cools your engine to prevent overheating. Considering the high summer temperatures, keeping your engine cool is even more important when it comes to keeping your car running.
If any of these checks sound too complicated, you can always rely on our services here at Kirberg Motors. Our Belmont auto technicians have years of experience in the automotive industry. That means we can help keep your car running throughout the summer months. To learn more about our quality care, give us a call at (650)481-8914.