With summer rapidly on the way, extreme heat is just around the corner. We all crave warmth so much when it’s cold in the winter, but it can have an adverse effect on cars. Thankfully, there are many things that you can do to protect your car and its parts from the summer heat. Here's a list of important guidelines.
Check Your Oil. Oil keeps your engine working properly and is important to change regularly. During warmer months, use the oil weight recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer for higher temperatures. Lots of heat is already generated in your engine's combustion chamber and oil works to transfer that heat away; old oil has a harder time performing this task, so during the summer - when it's extra hot - it's imperative to make sure you have fresh oil under the hood.
Park in the Shade. It may seem obvious, but parking your vehicle in the shade will keep the interior of your car remarkably cooler, and protect its paint from harmful UV rays. Always be sure to leave your windows open a tiny bit when parked, to give hot air an escape route. You can purchase window vent visors that will help keep your car cool and safe from vandals. Never leave children or pets unattended in a hot car. On an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a car can rise above 100 degrees in just 10 minutes.
Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated. On blazing sunny days, asphalt temperatures can reach up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which can be bad news for your tires. Driving on hot roads with under inflated tires can raise your risk of a blowout, because of increased friction and overheating. Check your tire pressure frequently, especially if the vehicle hasn’t been driven in a while. Tire pressure should be measured when the tires are cold or the car has been parked in the shade for at least one hour. Fill your tires to the level recommended in your owner’s manual or tire placard, which is located on the driver’s side doorjamb.
Check Your Coolant. Engines work overtime when it’s hot out, so it’s important to maintain your vehicle’s cooling system, which helps protect the engine from overheating. Flush the system and replace the coolant periodically, as recommended by your owner’s manual, and make sure your coolant is always filled to the proper level. While you’re under the hood, check that your radiator cap is on tightly enough to maintain the necessary pressure in your cooling system, but be careful - do not touch the cap when the engine is hot!
Westway Ford's service department is open to you all summer for service and repair. Anytime you need assistance with the above services or need OEM Ford parts, feel free to visit our shop during business hours.
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