How Extreme Summer Heat Can be Dangerous to Drivers and Cars

It is no secret that we have experienced some of the highest temperatures on record over the last few summers. With temperatures set to soar again this season, it is important to know what heat can do to both drivers and their cars. Prolonged exposure to these types of conditions can not only cause health concerns for individuals but also performance concerns for vehicles. Luckily, there are some ways that motorists can prepare their cars for another hot summer and keep them running all season long.

Tire Blow-Outs

Driving with under-inflated tires can have negative effects on the car’s performance in any season. This problem becomes an even bigger concern during the hot days of summer – an under-inflated tire that is exposed to high temperatures is much more prone to blowing out. If a car’s tire pressure indicator light comes on, it is important to re-inflate the tires to the appropriate pressure as soon as possible. If the car has not been driven for a period of time, check the tire pressure before hitting the road.

Engine Over-Heating

Engines work double time in the warm summer months and it is the cooling system’s job to help protect it from overheating. Additives found in the system’s coolant also help to protect the engine’s internal components and the radiator, making it especially important to make sure this system is in good working order. Over time, engine coolant can become contaminated – because of this it is vitally important to make sure routine maintenance on the cooling system is done before the summer begins.

Battery Failures

Car batteries are something with which many motorists dread dealing. Vibration from the car and extreme heat are a car battery’s worst enemy. Although drivers cannot do much about the temperature outside, they can help to monitor whether or not the battery is properly mounted and securely in place to prevent too much vibration. If your car’s battery is more than three years old, it is a good practice to get the battery checked and tested on a regular basis, especially before the temperatures reach their peak.

Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, have a profound effect on the way a vehicle operates. If there is any concern about a vehicle’s performance during hot summer months, it is always a good idea to get it evaluated by a professional technician. When a vehicle is protected and maintained properly throughout the year it can help to offset some of the wear and tear a car experiencing during the hot summer and can help keep it running for a long time!

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*Photo Courtesy of Jon Collier via Creative Commons License