Summer is here and in full blast! Vacations and road trips are on everyone’s minds. Although we love the long sun-filled days and great weather, our cars need special attention throughout the long hot days and nights. Sweltering temperatures can send us all running for the shade, but using these tips can keep you and your passengers riding in cool comfort all season long!
- Cool down your interior – When you get in your car after it has been sitting out in the sun, the heat can take your breath away. Cool down your interior more quickly by immediately rolling your windows down and driving with them down and the air on full blast. This forces the hot air out and allows the cool air to circulate. Within a minute or so of driving, the air inside the car will be tolerable enough and you will be ready to roll up the windows.
- Freshen a stinky car – Hot weather can really bake in a stench into your car’s interior, especially if you are the team mom or dad and transporting sweaty, stinky athletes is on your summertime agenda. Make it a point to wipe down your seats on a regular schedule. If you have a leather interior, the store shelves are full of fresh scented leather cleaners and wipes. Check under your seats to make sure no passengers have left anything that might season your car in the heat and throw a box of opened dryer sheets under one of the back seats to always keep your car smelling it’s best.
- The steering wheel on fire? - Turn your steering wheel 180 degrees before getting out of the car. This way, the area of the steering wheel that you actually use will be shaded and you won’t blister your hands while you are driving.
- Don’t blow it with your tires - Underinflated tires are riskier because the lack of air pressure puts the tire under increased strain. On the flip side, overinflated ones are more likely to hydroplane in a summer downpour. Keep a tire pressure gauge inside your glove box so that you can check your tires air pressure periodically throughout the summer months.
- Keep your engine cool - Keep an eye on your coolant level on a weekly basis. Hot temperatures combined with low coolant levels can increase the chance of your engine overheating. This can also cause your AC to work overtime. If you’re driving and your temperature gauge is rising, your warning lights start to flash or steam begins pouring out from the hood, this is signs of an overheated engine. Pull your car over to a safe place, turn off the engine, and wait at least a half hour for it to cool down completely before opening the hood. If your coolant levels are low, topping off the tank could solve the problem. If it doesn’t, contact a tow truck and your mechanic.
I hope these tips will help you cruise all summer long in cool comfort! If you are ever looking for a new car, keep me in mind! I would love to help you find the perfect car for you and your family!
