The Summer Heat Car Care Cheat Sheet

High temperatures stress cars just as much as freezing ones. Engines run hotter, batteries wear faster, and tires are more prone to problems. Before the hottest months, spend a little time on these checks to help keep your car reliable and your trips comfortable.

Cooling System

• Check the coolant level when the engine is cool, and top off with the type listed in your manual.
• Look at hoses for cracks, bulges, or leaks.
• Ask a shop to test the coolant and inspect the radiator if the car is due.
• Watch the temperature gauge. If it climbs higher than normal, pull over safely and turn off the engine.

Never open a radiator cap on a hot engine, since pressurized hot fluid can cause serious burns.

Battery

Heat speeds up the chemical reactions inside a battery and can shorten its life. Many batteries fail in summer but show their weakness during the next cold morning. Have yours tested, check for corrosion, and make sure the hold-down is secure.

Tires

• Check pressure when tires are cold, since heat raises pressure while driving.
• Do not release air from hot tires to match the recommended number, because the pressure will fall as they cool.
• Inspect for cracks, bulges, and uneven wear.
• Check the spare, too.

Air Conditioning

• Test the air conditioning early in the season so you have time to schedule repairs.
• If air is weak, smells musty, or is not cold, have a qualified technician inspect it.
• Replace the cabin air filter according to your manual.
• On very hot days, open the windows briefly after parking in the sun to let hot air out before turning on the air conditioning.

Protecting the Interior

• Use a windshield sunshade to reduce interior temperatures.
• Park in the shade or a garage when possible.
• Wipe and condition leather and vinyl surfaces according to product directions.
• Do not leave electronics, medications, or pressurized containers in a hot car.

Never Leave Children or Pets in a Parked Car

Interior temperatures can rise dangerously within minutes, even on mild days with the windows cracked. Never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle. If you see a child or animal in distress in a hot car, call emergency services.

Other Summer Checks

• Replace wiper blades that have dried and cracked in the sun.
• Check washer fluid, since bugs and dust collect on the windshield.
• Wash and wax the paint to protect against ultraviolet exposure.
• Inspect belts for wear, since heat can make rubber brittle.

If Your Car Overheats

1. Turn off the air conditioning and turn on the heater at full to draw heat from the engine.
2. Pull over in a safe place and turn off the engine.
3. Wait until the engine cools before checking coolant.
4. Add coolant or water only if the engine is cool and you know the reservoir is low.
5. If the problem continues, call for a tow.

Plan Around the Heat

Try to run errands in the cooler parts of the day, and carry extra water for everyone in the car. On road trips, stop regularly to let the car and the passengers rest. If you notice the temperature gauge creeping up in stop-and-go traffic, turning off the air conditioning briefly can ease the load on the engine while you find a safe place to pull over.

The takeaway: the cooling system, battery, tires, and air conditioning deserve attention before the hottest months. Protect the interior, never leave anyone in a parked car, and know what to do if the temperature gauge climbs.