The World Meteorological Organization announced that the statistics showed that the world has experienced the third hottest month on record in June. In addition, a wide range of extreme heat events occurred. This summer is really too hot!
TYRE
In summer, it's a good habit to check the tire pressure every time you go to the gas station. The summer heat even makes it worth buying a tire pressure gauge so you can monitor the tire pressure yourself. This is because tires will expand when they are heated. The heat can lead an increase in pressure levels which may lead to blistering, punctures and even a potential blowout. You can minimize this risk by using your car less during hot weather or assessing your tire condition (such as pressure and tread) before each trip.
Heat can also degrade rubber. Tires are made of synthetic rubber and natural rubber compounds, and it needs to be filled with oil to keep it elastic. With aging, the high temperature and friction with the road surface can dry out the oil, resulting in brittle rubber..
BATTERY
Hot weather will drastically shorten battery life as it accelerates corrosion. Remember to have an auto mechanic to clean the corrosion around the battery terminal and tighten the clip to ensure that the connection is firm. In addition, high temperature weather may affect the vehicle's electrical system and cause battery fluid to evaporate faster.
In summer, the pressure on the vehicle battery increases due to the increased load on the fan and air conditioning system. They often have difficulty generating electricity in high temperatures, so it may be a good idea to have jumper cables ready, especially if you plan to travel long distances.
OIL & FLUIDS
Monitoring your car’s fluids is always important, but especially during the summer months. Likewise, people need to keep extra moisture in the heat, and so do cars! Coolant is especially important for cars. A low coolant level can cause your engine to stall, and just as you keep cool in the summer, you need to keep your engine cool so it can function optimally. In fact, the engine works extra hard in the summer. The job of the cooling system is to protect the engine from overheating. Engine coolant depletes over time, as do its protective additives，so we should flush the system and change the coolant regularly, especially during the hot months. Between flushes, ensure coolant is filled to the proper level by monitoring the overflow reservoir. If necessary, top up the reservoir with a 50/50 mixture of water and the manufacturer's recommended coolant type. Worn hoses or damaged radiators can cause coolant to leak and cause engine temperatures to rise. Make sure to check the following extra fluids regularly:
·Motor oil
·Transmission fluid
·Brake fluid
·Power-steering fluid
·Windshield wiper fluid
It's common for these liquids to evaporate naturally at high temperatures, so you can do things like park your car in a cool, shady area to prevent evaporation.
AIR CONDITIONING
Vehicles tend to operate better when cold air is present because cold air is denser, which allows the car to take in more oxygen and keep power at a higher level. Most people use the air conditioner in their cars every day during the summer, which can take a toll on its performance as it uses power from the engine to keep the cabin cool. A good way to keep your airflow clean is to replace the cabin air filter. If you have noticed the air quality does not seem to be as good as it could be, finding a mechanic can easily fix the problem.
BELTS & HOSES
To keep your car running safely and healthily, these vital components need to be kept in good condition. A ruptured or leaking belt or hose can cause a loss of steering control, overheating of the radiator or engine failure, leading to failure. In fact, research shows that nearly 20 percent of vehicles on the road wear seat belts that need replacing, and nearly 15 percent have hoses that need updating. If your car has more than 85,000 miles on it, there is a greater chance of belt wear. High temperatures can cause belts and hoses to crack and blister. During summer, check the following things:·
Cracking and wear in all belts
·Belt tensioner functionality
·Idler pulley functionality
·Soft spots in hoses where reinforcement may be breaking down
OTHER PRECAUTIONS
Driving in the heat, especially on long trips, can be dangerous. Better to be safe than regret. Here are some good things to keep in your car in an emergency:
·Jumper cables
·Road signal lights
·Water
·Non-perishable foods
·First aid kit
·Flashlight
If possible, try to keep driving on highways that are generally better maintained and can handle the heat. If you have any cracks in your windshield or windows, get them repaired, as cracks can expand and become a bigger problem when exposed to direct sunlight.