Summer is famous for one reason – clear, bright skies perfect for long drives and road trips. However, summer also means sweltering temperatures that can damage your vehicle. If you don’t want to find yourself stranded in the middle of the road under the scorching, blazing sun, then you should follow these friendly tips from car dealerships in Albuquerque, NM.
- Preventive maintenance is the key.
Ideally, car owners should make a habit of sending their vehicles to a trusted automotive shop or mechanic every time the season changes. However, if you plan to take your vehicle for a long drive this summer, you need to start with a couple of steps that you can do on your own.
Give your car a complete checkup to ensure that all parts are in good working order. Don’t forget to check your tires, fluid levels, battery, brakes, and windshield wipers. Some features might need replacing, and your fluids might need to be topped off. This will not only ensure your vehicle’s performance but will also keep you safe on the road.
- Keep your engine (and yourself) cool.
Engines tend to overheat faster during summer. Check your engine coolant if it is still at its optimum level. Most drivers leave their vehicles in the garage during fall and winter, so there is a high chance that some parts of their car engine are damaged from lack of being used. If you see a sweet-smelling bright color puddle where you parked your car, then your vehicle might be suffering from coolant leaks. Repairing the damaged part and replacing the coolant may fix the problem.
Aside from the coolant, you also need to check your air conditioning system if it is still working properly. Check if you need to add more refrigerant to your system. If you feel like your air conditioning system is not as cool as it should be, you need to have it repaired by professionals. After all, you don’t want to sit in traffic on a warm summer day with nothing to keep you cool.
- Prepare a summer emergency kit.
Technically speaking, you should always have a well-stocked emergency kit kept inside your car. This is because breakdowns can happen anytime and anywhere, and the best you can do is prepare for it. A summer emergency kit should include jumper cables, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first aid kit, a list of emergency phone numbers, a cell phone charger, some non-perishable food, and lots of bottled water.
- Whenever possible, park in the shade.
As Kia dealers in Albuquerque, NM, can attest, hot weather can do a number on your vehicle. Not only can it ruin your exterior paint, but it can also cause some damage to your interior cabin. The best way to avoid this from happening is to park in the shade whenever you possibly can. If there is no shelter, covered parking, or any form of shade available in the area, you should at least avoid parking under direct sunlight. Alternatively, you can apply wax to your vehicle to protect your exterior from the sun’s UV rays and use a sunshade to keep your interior cool.
Don’t let the intense summer heat put a damper to your plans. Check out Fiesta Kia for more helpful tips.
