By State Farm
The sun and heat can be very damaging to a car. During testing conducted at the State Farm Vehicle Research Facility, interior air temperatures have been recorded well in excess of 145 degrees and vehicle interior surface temperatures on areas exposed to direct sunlight in excess of 195 degrees.
But it’s not just the dashboard and seats that you need to look out for: A car’s finish and engine are also at risk.
Protecting your interior
• Park in the shade. It is the easiest form of protection. By avoiding direct sunlight, you’ll help keep your dash from drying and cracking. If it is safe to do so, open the windows a crack to help lower the interior temperature and equalize the air pressure.
• Use a windshield sun protector. It’s a great way to keep your car cool and prevent sun damage. They may look a little cumbersome at first, but they are really quite easy to use.
• Wipe the dash with a microfiber cloth. Dust and dirt can cause tiny scratches that can become worse over time. Wipe down the dash frequently to remove all particles. A low-gloss detailing product will also protect it and reduce glare.
• Install seat covers. They not only protect leather and fabric seats, but they also help keep them cool.
• Protect leather seats with a conditioner. The sun and heat can really do a number on them. To help avoid cracks or tears, keep seats clean and apply leather conditioner often.
Tips for the exterior
• Wash and dry often. Sun and heat can fade and crack the paint. Frequent washing and hand drying help remove dirt and dust particles that can cause micro scratches and dull your car’s finish.
• Wax your car. A layer of wax between your car’s finish and the sun’s ultraviolet rays is a great way to help protect it. How often a car needs a wax job (auto.howstuffworks.com/under-the-hood/diagnosing-carproblems/body/car-needs-wax-job.htm) varies, but it is best to do it on a regular basis.
• Check tire pressure. Hot pavement and under-inflated tires can be a dangerous combination, and may lead to a blowout. Even good tires can lose about 1 pound of air pressure a month, so it’s really important to check often when it’s hot. Make sure you follow your vehicle’s manufacturer recommended tire pressure.
Under the hood
• Cooling system. In order to help protect your engine from overheating, make sure it is in good working order. Have the belts checked and antifreeze/coolant drained, then replaced on a regular basis as recommended by the manufacturer.
• The possibility of overheating greatly increases when fluid levels are below recommended levels. Regularly check motor oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid and brake fluid. If any need to be topped off, check your owner’s manual about the types of fluids recommended.
• Battery. High temperatures and high accessory loads (use of the vehicles air conditioning) can cause it to wear out and fail quicker. Have the vehicle’s battery and complete charging system checked regularly by a professional mechanic to make sure it’s functioning properly.
• Air conditioning. Staying cool not only keeps you comfortable, but can also help you stay alert when driving. If your car’s interior temperature isn’t cool enough, the refrigerant charge level in the air conditioning system may be low or there may be a more serious problem. Have it checked by a professional. Be sure to stay cool and safe no matter how hot it gets.
A little preventative maintenance and simple upkeep can keep you on the road and out of your mechanic’s garage.
