Whether you’ve just moved to South Carolina or have called this state home for many years, one thing is certain: the heat and humidity can be brutal.
With temperatures reaching well above the 90s in the peak summer months, self-preservation is the key to staying cool and beating the intense heat. But while you’re blasting the AC in your car or embarking on a summer road trip to cooler climates, your car may struggle with higher temps.
Whether you own a Dodge muscle car or a family-friendly Chrysler, it’s important to make sure your car is prepared and protected for the summer sun!
Keep reading to learn how to take care of your car this summer, and then stop by our automotive service center for a vehicle maintenance check!
Fun in the Sun: The Impact of the Summer Heat on Your Vehicle
While many of us tend to focus on prepping our vehicles in the colder seasons, intense heat can damage your car and its parts. Hot summers, especially those in South Carolina, often mean battery failures, air conditioner repairs, and tire replacements, to name a few.
Your battery, tires, and engine are the major components of your car most affected by extreme temperatures. Extreme heat can negatively impact the chemical processes inside car batteries, making it difficult for them to hold charge and produce enough power to get your vehicle moving.
Due to the heat, fluids within the engine have a more difficult time circulating and may result in your vehicle not starting at all. As for the tires, extreme temperature changes can negatively affect tire pressure, causing uneven wear and tire and shortening the life of your tires altogether.
Rising temperatures can wreak havoc on your vehicle, but there are ways to prepare your car for the heat ahead.
Ten Tips for Beating the Summer Heat and Protecting Your Vehicle
When it comes to heat and humidity, it’s important to focus on keeping ourselves and our vehicles cool! Here are ten tips for helping your vehicle–and yourself!–beat the summer heat.
- Test the AC
At the peak of summer, the last thing you want is trouble with your car’s air conditioning. Since you may not have used your AC during the winter and spring, it’s important to test it out before summer gets into full swing.
Hot air blowing out when you turn on your car’s AC? A refrigerant may be needed to give your AC system a much-needed boost. Don’t feel comfortable handling the AC on your own or find yourself in need of a car air conditioner repair near you? Just visit our service center at Legacy CDJR and our qualified technicians will handle it!
- Take Time for Your Tires
Between possible damage from winter conditions to the potholes plaguing South Carolina streets, your tires tend to take a significant hit. Before packing in your friends and family on a summer road trip, take some time to give your tires some TLC.
The first thing you’ll want to check is tire pressure. Most vehicles recommend tire pressure between 30 and 35 PSI. Consult your car owner’s manual for the specific PSI, then address your tires' needs accordingly.
In addition to tire pressure, we recommended tire rotations every 5,000 miles. This will help ensure you get the most life out of your tires and help with overall wear and tear.
- Get Your Oil and Oil Filter Changed
One of the simplest–and best–ways to increase the life of your vehicle is through regular oil and filter changes. Oil helps lubricate the engine to keep it safe from wear and tear, while the filter removes harmful contaminants from the engine oil.
A good rule of thumb is to change your oil every 5,000-7,000 miles, depending on your vehicle. Your owner’s manual will have recommendations specific to your vehicle, or you can ask one of our service center mechanics for their recommendation! We offer the best oil change near you for convenience and ease, so you don’t have to worry about another DIY project to add to your list!
- Triple-Check Your Fluid Levels
Extreme heat can cause fluid levels to evaporate at a much quicker pace, making it harder for your vehicle to function correctly. Check your transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield wiper fluid to ensure that they are topped off for the road ahead.
In addition to the fluid levels above, coolant is one of the most important things to check during the summer season. Coolant prevents your car’s engine from overheating–a major risk during the summer heat.
- Test Your Battery
Excessive heat and overcharging of your car’s battery could leave you stranded on the side of the road without warning. Rising temperatures can cause battery fluid to evaporate, causing the battery and its components to oxidize.
Visit our Dodge, RAM, and Jeep service center to get your battery tested to ensure that it’s ready to handle the hot days ahead!
- Stop and Check Your Brakes!
Your brakes are one of the most important, if not the most important, parts of your car. Given that you rely on your brakes every time you drive, it’s important to ensure they’re functioning properly.
There are several red flags to be on the lookout for when it comes to assessing your brake’s performance. Squealing, grinding, or squeaking sounds while on the road may indicate it’s time to replace your brakes. You’ll also want to check for brake pulling, which is when your vehicle pulls to one side when you put your foot on the brake.
If you feel or hear any of these red flags, take a trip down to your CDJR dealership in Florence for brake services.
- Keep Your Car Clean–Inside and Outside
Keeping your car clean has a few perks above just making you feel good in your space. Increased temperatures can cause leftover plastics, food, and other forgotten items to melt or damage your car’s interior.
For the exterior, regularly washing and drying your vehicle will not only keep it clean but also remove dust and dirt that can damage the paint while it sits in the sun. For the best results, try to avoid washing your car under direct sunlight and use a pH-balanced car soap and microfiber cloth to avoid any damage to the clear coat.
- Stick to the Shade
It’s all fun in the sun until too much light damages your ride. On days with clear skies, try to seek out shady spots for your vehicle when possible. Parking your car in the shade has several benefits and can prevent the following:
• Damage to the exterior paint from harmful UV rays
• Overheating the engine
• Heating the steering wheel and leather seats, which make it difficult to drive
- Focus On the Engine
Every vehicle has a cooling system that removes heat from the engine, allowing it to maintain proper temperatures and reduce the risk of overheating. Comprised of the coolant, hoses, thermostat, radiator, and water pump, each part works together to keep your engine cool and your car on the road.
While driving, it’s important to keep an eye on the temperature gauge. This will indicate the current temperature of your engine and, if it gets too hot, your vehicle may be at risk for overheating.
- Make Regular Visits to Our Chrysler, Jeep, RAM, and Dodge Service Center
When it comes to car body maintenance and service checks, it’s crucial to have a service center and mechanics you can trust.
Our certified technicians have received extensive training and offer only the most advanced tools and technology to keep you on the road in every season. Whether you need a tune-up or require a more serious repair, our techs at Legacy Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM have you covered!
Building the Perfect Summer Emergency Kit For You and Your Ride!
Now that your vehicle has been thoroughly checked and a scheduled maintenance tune-up is on the books, the last thing you’ll need is a plan for the unexpected.
Car problems can happen anywhere, sometimes leaving you stranded waiting for help. You can prepare for unexpected situations with a car breakdown emergency kit. We recommend keeping the following in your vehicle:
- Extra bottled water
- Non-perishable snacks
- First aid kit
- Sunscreen
- Basic tool kit
- Tow strap
- Cell phone charger
- Jumper cables
- Emergency blanket (doubles as shade)
Beat the Heat with Help from Legacy Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM!
Summer is a time for much-needed relaxation and fun—don’t let car problems stand in your way! At Legacy CDJR service center, we make it our mission to help you get back on the road with peace of mind and confidence behind the wheel.
Schedule an appointment with us today and take advantage of our ongoing service specials!