PREPARING YOUR CAR FOR A SWELTERING SUMMER

With summer temperatures in Arizona soaring well above 100 degrees on a daily basis, it is important to know how to prepare your vehicle to withstand the extreme heat. While it is no secret that typical Arizona problems include burning hot leather seats and seatbelt burns, Arizona mechanics will agree that there are several other concerns you may not even be aware of that need to be considered. Continue reading to learn which aspects of Tempe car maintenance will help your vehicle be prepared for summer heat.

WATCH TIRE PRESSURE

Under-inflated tires and hot roads are a recipe for disaster. Tires that have low air pressure cause more surface contact with sizzling hot roads, ultimately increasing friction that can lead to many problems. Additionally, under-inflated tires and broiling hot pavement can easily to early breakdown of tires and blowouts.

Always check your tire pressure before heading out on a longer road trip, and throughout the trip be sure to watch for the tire pressure warning light on your dash. If it turns on, it is imperative to find a safe spot to pull over and evaluate your tire pressure again. If you are uncertain what is the ideal pressure for your set of tires, check the manual, look online, or visit a reliable Phoenix repair shop and discuss with a trustworthy mechanic.

MONITOR ALL FLUID LEVELS

Similar to the concept of humans needing hydration in the heat, your car also needs to remain “hydrated” throughout the extreme temperatures. It is very important to check and regularly monitor all the fluid levels in your car, including oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering, and washer fluid. This may seem like a lot, but they are really quite simple to check. Any reliable Mesa car repair shop should be very willing to take a few minutes to teach you, if you are uncertain how to check these fluids.

CHECK BATTERY

Extreme summer heat and constant vibration from a running engine are two key factors in causing a vehicle battery to die. The intense Arizona summer heat can cause your battery fluid (and any other engine fluid) to evaporate more quickly than usual, so it is very important to keep a close eye on the battery to avoid an inconvenient or dangerous breakdown that leaves you stranded. Keep in mind that most car batteries will not last longer than three Arizona summers.

COOLANT FLUSH

Reliable Tempe car ac repair shops typically recommend performing a coolant flush for your engine approximately every 30,000 miles. Considering that coolant is your vehicle’s first line of defense against an overheated engine, it is very important to monitor it closely. Typically, the flush should be performed every 30k miles, while belts and hoses should be replaced every 36k-50k miles, depending on your vehicle. Be sure to consult with a reputable car mechanic who can offer more advice in this area.

EMERGENCY KIT

It is very important to keep an emergency kit in your vehicle at all times, not just during the extreme Arizona summer. Even when you perform consistent maintenance and check all the boxes, there are sometimes unforeseen circumstances that cause a breakdown or an accident. You could come across other bad drivers, sudden inclement weather, road debris, or simply a mechanical fail in your vehicle.

Preparing ahead for unexpected situations is your best defense, and ultimately is in the best interest for the safety of you and your family. Your safety/emergency kit should include bottled water, jumper cables, flashlights with extra batteries, a first aid kit, phone charger, walking shoes and socks, granola bars or other nonperishable food items, baby formula and diapers (if you have a small child), dog food (if you travel often with a pet), and any other item you think may be helpful for you personally. It is also a good idea to carry extra engine oil or coolant, in case you run out while on a road trip.

Overall, you can never be too prepared for an extreme Arizona summer. Checking over your vehicle and performing regular maintenance will go a long way toward keeping you, your family, and your car safe throughout extreme summer temperatures. If you need assistance or have any questions concerning your vehicle, consult with the professional mechanics at Scottsdale Muffler. Affordably priced and family-owned, Scottsdale Muffler has been successfully performing all types of car maintenance and repairs for over 20 years. We strive to have a reputation of honesty and reliability. If you need help getting your vehicle ready to withstand an Arizona summer, come visit us at Scottsdale Muffler today!