5 Easy Ways to Protect Your Vehicle from Summer Heat
Summer is the season of road trips, camping weekends, and ice cream cones melting faster than you can eat them. But while we’re soaking up the sun, our vehicles can be taking a beating from the heat. High temperatures can lead to everything from dead batteries to blown tires.
Here are 5 easy ways to protect your vehicle from summer heat and keep it cool, inside and out.
1. Park in the Shade
Just like you wouldn’t lounge in the sun without sunscreen, your car shouldn’t be left to roast in the heat either. Whenever possible, park under a tree, in a garage, or even on the shady side of a building. If shade’s in short supply, using a car cover or sunshade is a smart move to help protect your vehicle’s paint and interior from UV damage.
2. Use a Sunshade
A sunshade in the windshield might not look like much, but it makes a big difference. It keeps the cabin temperature down and prevents your dash, seats, and steering wheel from absorbing all that heat. The result is a cooler interior and fewer cracks or fading over time.
3. Check Your Coolant
Your engine works hard in the summer, and it relies on coolant to stay at a safe temperature. If your coolant levels are low or the mixture isn’t quite right, your engine could overheat, and that’s a problem no one wants to deal with on a hot day. Make it a habit to check your coolant and have it topped up or replaced as needed.
4. Inspect Your Tires
Hot pavement and rising temperatures can affect your tires more than you might think. As the heat goes up, so does tire pressure. This can lead to uneven wear or even a blowout if left unchecked. Regularly inspect your tires for pressure and tread wear, especially before long drives. For more on tire pressure in the summer, read here.
5. Keep Up with Regular Maintenance
When it’s hot outside, small issues under the hood can become big problems fast. Summer is a great time to double-check your maintenance schedule. That includes oil changes, battery checks, air filter replacements, and inspections of belts and hoses. A well-maintained vehicle handles the heat much better—and keeps you safely on the road.
Taking care of your vehicle during the summer doesn’t have to be complicated. A few smart habits can go a long way in keeping things cool and preventing unexpected breakdowns.
If you’re not sure where to start, our team at Drayton Valley Quick Lane Tire & Auto Centre is always happy to help. Whether it’s a coolant check, tire inspection, or a quick tune-up, we’ll make sure your vehicle is safe for the summer.