It’s that time of the year again when people are all itching to ride their cars and hit the road. Unfortunately, this is also the season when most car owners find themselves stalled or stranded in the middle of a dusty street because of car problems. It is inevitable since extreme summer heat can do all types of damage to your vehicle. To prevent this from happening to you, Kia dealers in Albuquerque, NM reveal some of the best car care tips to prepare your vehicle to beat summer heat.
- De-winterize your vehicle
If you still have not de-winterized your car, now is the perfect time to do so. According to Kia dealers around Albuquerque, you need to replace snow tires with all-season tires. Driving snow tires on dry, dusty roads will lower your fuel economy. Next, remove your winter emergency kit. You will not need those extra gloves, coat, and thermal blanket in this summer heat. Keep them in storage for the next winter.
- Check your tires regularly
It is a known fact that hot temperatures can make air expand, which is why it is critical to always check your tire pressure. Driving with either over- or under-inflated tires can eventually lead to a blowout.
- Have an expert inspect your engine
It is always wise to start your summer with a full car check-up. Kia dealers near Rio Rancho state that extreme changes in weather can cause significant wear and tear on different components of your car. Ask an expert to check your engine and replace all parts that need replacing.
- Top off your fluids
Check if your transmission, power steering, brake, and windshield wiper fluid are still at optimum levels. One particular fluid that you should keep an eye on is the coolant. Extreme hot temperatures can cause your engine to overheat. Coolant fluid prevents that from ever happening.
- Check your suspension
If you have been driving your car during the winter, chances are your vehicle’s suspensions have suffered considerable wear and tear. The most obvious sign that your suspension needs to be inspected is a misalignment with your steering wheel. Replacing the shocks, joints, and springs will give you more control over your steering wheel, allowing you to drive more smoothly.
- Test your battery
Extreme heat can accelerate fluid loss, which oxidizes battery components and considerably reduces the battery’s life. Most auto technicians can conduct a battery test to guarantee that your battery won’t die on you while you are on the road.
- Check your brakes
Whether you are driving on a wide, open road or stuck on a stop-go traffic, you need to have good, working brakes. If your brakes keep making strange screeching noises, then it is time to get it inspected.
- Replace wiper blades
Just because summer is known for its hot, dry temperatures does not mean an occasional thunderstorm is not possible. Winter usually causes wiper blades to crack and tear. If your wipers are leaving visible streaks on your windshield, then it is high time to replace them.
- Replace cabin filters
Dirt, dust, and other foreign particles can compromise the air quality inside your car. Though cabin filters can be cleaned, it is easier to replace excessively dirty ones.
- Test your AC system
It is important to have a working air conditioning system when you are out driving under the harsh summer heat. If you keep getting hot air from your AC system, then it might be time to have your mechanic check on it.
- Prepare a summer emergency kit
A basic summer emergency kit usually includes bottles of water, non-perishable food, jumper cables, first aid kit, reflective triangles, an extra phone charger, flares, and a flashlight with extra batteries.
- Park away from the sun’s harmful rays.
Hot weather can severely damage your car’s paint job and make its interior hot. Always park your car under a shade as much as possible. A covered garage or carport is a good idea. However, never park your car under a tree since you will be opening your car to tree debris like leaves, twigs, and pollen.
Don’t let summer heat ruin your trip. Check out Fiesta Kia for more helpful tips.
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