Summer in Charlotte is hot and sticky no doubt about it.  While we southerners have learned to adapt to the heat, our vehicles need a little help to operate efficiently in these summer months.

Although it helps being covered by a trustworthy towing service company does help prevent you from being scammed on the road, nobody likes to be stranded roadside unexpectedly, so it pays to be proactive in some key maitenance areas to ensure trouble-free operation from your ride.

So today we’ll be covering some useful tip to keep your Car, Truck, or SUV in tip-top shape during these brutal summer months in the South…

Check Your Batteries

The two worst things that can affect your batteries are heat and vibration. Both can lead to the premature internal breakdown of the battery. To minimize the vibration, you can check how the battery is mounted. Make sure it is secure in place to lessen the vibration.

As for the heat, there’s nothing much that can be done but to check the battery fluid. It will evaporate more during the summer that’s why you should always check and make sure it’s at the right level.

There can also be build-up that needs to be cleaned to prevent it from causing corrosion on the cable clamps as well as the battery terminals. The clamps should also be checked and tightened.

Keep Your Engine Cool

The heat of the summer doesn’t only affect your battery, it also produces a bad effect on your engine. Naturally, the engine heats up when it is used and it’s the job of the car’s cooling system to prevent it from overheating. Additionally, the coolant will also protect against corrosion.

If the cooling system isn’t properly maintained, long-term engine damage is likely to occur. The cooling system also includes other components made of rubber, which can be damaged due to heat.

Check your car’s drive belts and hoses. Make sure there are no cracks or soft spots. If there are any, consider replacing those worn out parts before they fail to work due to the hot weather.

Prepare Your Tires

Regularly check your tire pressure. Make sure that they are not underinflated or else you increase your risk of having it blown out especially due to the heat of the road. Vehicles that aren’t regularly used should be checked before using them because the air pressure can gradually reduce.

As for the right level of pressure, check the manufacturer’s recommendation. You will usually find a number on the sidewall of the tire. Having inflated tires doesn’t only prevent blowouts, it also improves braking and handling of the car.

Refill Your Fluids

A car makes use of different fluids for it to run. During hotter days, these fluids tend to evaporate quicker than usual. Not only do you have to refill your fuel, but you also have to refill the other fluids in your vehicle.

Other fluids act as lubricants and coolants that help prevent other parts of the vehicles from corroding due to friction. They prevent overheating while the car is running. The fluids that need to be checked include braking fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and the motor oil.

Ensure Your Air Conditioning System Is Working

There is nothing more comfortable than air conditioning on a hot summer day. Your car’s air conditioning system should also be checked. Although you can always open a window, the heat inside the car could be unbearable when it’s not moving.

If the air conditioning isn’t working as it used to, you may not have enough freon in the system. You can have a professional check and replace the freon in your air conditioning system.

Air conditioning may seem to be just a convenience for drivers and passengers but it can actually be a lifesaver. Too much heat is also bad for people. As a driver, you are responsible for carefully driving the vehicle. If you can’t drive properly because of a heat stroke, then you are risking not only your life but also the life of your passengers and other people on the road.

Conclusion

After the cold winter days, many are looking forward to the hotter summer days. But too much heat isn’t good for people and for cars as well. These 5 tips can be done to help you lessen the risk of having trouble on the road. It is far better to prepare than to risk having your car broken down the road.