Summer care: Tips to shield your car from the scorching sun

Acknowledging the levels of global warming rising with each passing year the temperature too is seeing a gradual increase. Further, considering the volatility of all the mechanical and electrical things on this planet towards the summer season, the cars also need a little extra special care for their prolonged and efficient use. Following are some key points to be kept in mind to protect your vehicle from the harmful after-effects of the summer season.

On the outside:-

When it comes to exposure to the direct sun rays, the exterior of your car takes the maximum hit. If you keep your car on a standstill in an open area for a long time, not only the sunrays tarnish the exterior paint of your car gradually, but also make the interior nothing short of a hot oven. While it is advisable to keep your car in a closed garage, but since most of the people are not blessed with one, you can park your car under the shade of a tree or high building. Also, waxing the exterior paint of your car once in six months or having a Teflon coating done can also yield positive results.

On the inside:-

As said above, parking your car in an open area makes the cabin as hot as a barbecue. If your cabin is finished in an all black trim and upholstery, the effect can be felt even more. In addition, the leather upholstery is more prone to get hot sooner, a prominent after effect of which is the weird smell in the entire cabin. So, apart from parking under shade, it is advisable to invest in good quality sunshades. Also, make sure that you drive with your windows up during summers, as the season tends to get extremely dusty at times.

Air conditioning system:-

Possibly the most important aspect to be taken care of during summers is the air-con system. The use of the air conditioning system only doubles up during summers. Since the AC system works under full load during summers most of the times, it is advisable to get it checked before summers.

Periodic service before summers:-

While AC is the most important component to be taken care of during summers, there are many other mechanical aspects which need to be checked before the summers work in full blasts. Like refrigerant, the other fluids like engine coolant and oils for transmission and brakes need to be topped up, if required. In addition, pre-summer periodic service should include other basics like replacement of air filter and cleaning up of the radiator. Also, if required, check out the wear and tear of other hoses and belts, as with their age, they tend to crack, which can lead to loss of fluids.

Tyres:-

Out of all the components, the tyres are something which needs to be taken care of round the clock, irrespective of the season. Speaking about summers, since the road surface heats up drastically, the wear and tear of tyres increases due to their tendency of getting hotter with more driving cycles. So, make sure if your tyre needs replacement or not. Also, it is essential to keep the tire pressure low – as while an under-inflated tyre can put extra load on the sidewalls leading to their excessive wear and tear, an overinflated tire can blast ue to extreme air pressure and heat generated within the tyre.

Battery Condition:-

Last but not least is the battery is also one part which is exposed to high temperature the most. During summers, due to excessive load on AC and other components, the battery tends to lose its charge compared to the same during winters. Due to an increase in temperature, the battery too overcharges, which can lead to a fall in their life span and require frequent replacement. The prevention is clear and straightforward – keep the condition of the battery clean by removing the dust around the terminal ends. Also, look for any crack or loose wire in the battery system, and fix it, if any.