How Does Summer Heat Affect Your Vehicle?

An awareness of the danger of extreme conditions is much more common in Winter. Snow, which translates to wet roads, and the behavior of our vehicles in very low temperatures, are much-discussed issues. Little (or to a lesser extent) is said about the summer heat, which is curious since this season is synonymous with vacations and road trips. Therefore, it is essential to know how high temperatures can affect your vehicle.

One of the most obvious elements is the one that has direct contact with the pavement: the tires. The friction of these with hot surfaces can lead to severe degradation and failure. Check the air pressure in them and do a monthly check. This way, you can replace them if they do not meet the standard before their deterioration is irreversible.

As you probably know, the engine must be kept properly lubricated. That is why oil comes into play in this list of affected items. Thoroughly monitoring the oil change is essential, much more so in the Summer months. Beyond the viscosity grade (use the one recommended by your vehicle’s user manual), change the fluid periodically as it loses its properties.

The fluid that counteracts heat to a considerable extent is the refrigerant. Under no circumstances should this level be low: it can irreparably affect your engine. Take a look at your vehicle’s temperature gauges to see if there is anything out of the ordinary with this fluid.

The excessive frequency of vibration can affect our source of electrical energy: the battery. We won’t be able to control this as much as we would like, but if you can check that the battery is mounted correctly, that would be optimal. In this manner, the impact of these vibrations is reduced. You must constantly check that there is no corrosion on the battery terminals to make sure that there is no evaporation of the internal fluid of the battery (caused by high temperatures).

At Nourmand Legal, we want you to stay cool and comfortable in the summer, and that is why, as an extra recommendation, we suggest that you keep your air conditioning system in optimal conditions. Have water, sunscreen, and non-perishable food within reach, as well as tools to repair minor damage. We hope you have a great trip.