In New England, the summer may come later, but the temperatures can still rise exponentially. If you have a car in your garage or outdoors, take extra special care of it. Here are the best car care tips for the summertime.
Monitor Your Tire Pressure
Frozen engines, iced locks, and less traction—the winter brings frigid temperatures that put your car to the test. Cold temperatures also require more air in the tires to keep them at manufacturer-recommended PSI levels. As the season turns, this air from winter is likely still trapped inside your tire and will expand as temperatures rise again. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor your tire pressure and avoid over-filling them in the hot summertime. Of course, you’ll need to know how to check your tire pressure and make adjustments with an air pump, but you can always seek professional help when necessary.
Install a Windshield Sunshade
Have you seen those reflective aluminum mats that people put underneath their windshields? Sunshades are not a fancy car accessory; they are a summer essential. In the summer, cars with darker interiors heat up quickly and retain that heat. While manufacturers design vehicles to handle high temperatures, it never hurts to preserve your car’s leather, technology, and comfort with a UV-reflective windshield sunshade. It will keep your car cooler so that you, your family, and your pets never again have to enter a hot car on a steamy day.
Check Your AC Unit and Vents
The summer heat can be dangerous at times, and being stuck in traffic inside an overheated car is not a good situation. The unrelenting sun can be detrimental to your health and well-being as you’re driving, especially if you lack adequate air conditioning. Check your car’s AC unit—preferably before the summer heat hits—to make sure it’s working correctly. This also means looking at your air vents and ensuring they’re free from blockage and debris. Clean, cool air is the best way to care for your car and yourself.
Remember these car care tips for the summertime as the temperatures rise and the sun heats the ground. With a bit of luck, you can make it through the summer calm, cool, and collected.
