In the summer the car is usually used more to travel or go on an excursion. He heat negatively affects engine performance and the engine loses power. It can be a simple scare, but it can also end in a major breakdown.
Every summer around 1.3 million vehicles need roadside assistance, an average of 14,100 vehicles per day. This only in Spain. Most of the breakdowns, 35%, are due to the air conditioning or air conditioning system. But there are other parts of the car that are sensitive to high temperatures.
To find out how to protect the car from the sun and heat, we have prepared a series of tips for caring for the car and for the proper functioning of the air conditioning during the summer months:
engine temperature
He indicator it is usually on the dashboard, next to the fuel gauge – some modern cars have done without it. When cold, it will be at the lowest setting, but after 5-10 minutes it should reach optimum temperature (about 90 degrees).
Watch out that it never reaches the Red zone if you don’t want to burn the motor. If it does, check out our tips for lowering the engine temperature. An emergency solution is to put the car heating to the maximum possible, since this way you release heat from the engine and avoid a greater evil.
tires
In summer the tires reach a higher temperature, especially when driving fast. if we take the pressure too lowthe tread will heat up even more, which will shorten its life by up to 15%.
For this reason, among our tips for getting the car ready before taking a trip, we recommend checking the tire pressure. Tires are susceptible to problems as a direct consequence of high asphalt temperatures. Every year there are about 150,000 punctures during the summer months. He tries not to be one of them.
Brakes
To stop the car, the brake pads rub against the disc. This generates heat and in summer the temperatures they reach are even higher. In addition, due to the heat outside, it is more difficult to refrigerate.
These circumstances make it easier for the brakes to overheat. The car brakes much less and the life of the brake fluid is shortened and the discs can warp. For good brake maintenance, avoid aggressive driving and, on long descents, use low gears to depress the pedal less.
Parking lots
try park in the shade, especially in the central hours of the day. Also take into account the movements of the sun, because perhaps when you leave the car it will remain in the sun, but after a while it will be in the shade.
Always place a sun visor on the front windshield (and if you want also on the rear) and use steering wheel covers. You will avoid those “terrible moments” of driving again and burning your hands, which will increase your safety. Here we tell you more tricks to protect your car from the sun.
Cleaning
Wash the car regularly. We have explained in detail how to do it right. The most gourmets can use wax with absorber for ultraviolet rays, which protects car paint from sun damage. The leather and vinyl parts of the interior also require special cleaning so that they do not age quickly.
Air-conditioning
He air-conditioning in summer it is practically essential. You can always cool the car down a bit with some homemade trick like this, but when it comes down to it, an air conditioning system in good condition is the only thing that will save you from the heat. Not long ago we reviewed potential air conditioning problems and their solutions. So if you see that it doesn’t work properly in your car, take a look at it.
Photo: cc Flikr Caharley72
