Preparing Your Car For The Summer Heat

Press release from Matt Farnham:

May 25, 2021

Preparing Your Car for the Arizona Heat
Arizona’s high summer temperatures can take a toll on everyone and everything, including your
car. Extreme heat can push your car past it’s limits and leave you stranded on the side of the
road. Even though summer is a couple of months away now is a good time to get your car
prepared. As an automotive professional and owner of Auto Repair 2 You in Phoenix, here are a
few tips you can use to prepare your care for the upcoming Arizona heat.

Check your air conditioning
If your vehicle’s air conditioning is not maintaining the interior temperature as well as it once
did, it might mean the refrigerant level is low. You can purchase a recharging kit from your local
automotive store to restore the refrigerant levels. If this doesn’t work, I suggest having your
system checked by a certified technician.

Preparing your battery
People often think of cold temperatures causing battery issues. The truth is the summer heat can
have more negative effects than freezing temperatures. Heat is one of a battery’s worst enemies
and can lead to the internal breakdown and failure of your car’s battery. One major problem for
battery’s due to the heat is faster evaporation of battery fluid, which leads to corrosion on
terminals and connections. If you notice any buildup on your car’s battery terminals clean it with
a wire brush. Also check your cable clamps making sure they are tight enough where they will
not move. If your battery is more than 3 years old, it is suggested you have it tested by a trained
professional to get an estimate on how much longer it will last.

Be prepared for a breakdown
Even with preventative measures a summer breakdown can still take place. I recommend you
have a well-stocked emergency kit in your car at all times. The kit needs to include at least one
gallon of water, some non-perishable food items like protein bars, jumper cables, a flashlight,
extra batteries, road flares or lighting beacon, basic hand tools such as screw drivers, wrenches
and channel locks, and a stocked first aid kit.

Keep your engine cool
Cooling systems protect your engine from overheating and should be flushed regularly as
recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Between flushes, make sure the coolant is filled to
the proper level by checking the overflow reservoir. If needed, you can top off the reservoir with
a 50/50 mix of water and the coolant type specified by the vehicle manufacturer. If your car is
overheating never remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. The boiling water and coolant
in the radiator is under pressure and can explode causing serious burns.

Hoses and belts also need to be checked. Inspect hoses and belts for cracking, soft spots and
other signs of poor condition. If you notice any of these affecting your hoses and belts have them
replaced immediately.

Properly inflate your tires
Driving on under-inflated tires can cause your tires to overheat, especially when road
temperatures are extremely high. Check your car’s tire pressures at least once a month because
your tiers will typically lose about one pound of air pressure per month due to seepage. In order

to get the most accurate tire pressure reading check them when they are cold. Always follow
your vehicle’s pressure inflation recommendations which are often found inside of the driver
side door jamb. Do not refer to the tire pressure on the side of the tire as this may not be the
correct pressure for your vehicle.

You can purchase a small tire gauge to keep in your glove box for relatively cheap at any
automotive store. If you are unsure about checking your pressure’s yourself, you should consult
with an automotive professional

Check your fluids
Most engine fluids lubricate and serve as coolants carrying heat away from critical components.
When your var’s fluid levels are low, the cooling effect is reduced, which can increase the
possibility of overheating. Check all of your vehicle’s fluids at least once every three months.
These include motor oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid and brake fluid. If any fluids
need to be topped off be sure to use the type of fluid specified in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Maintenance on your vehicle is a year-long task. Before the heat of the Arizona summer hits it is
especially important to check your vehicle and ensure it is operating correctly. Simple tasks can
often be performed by the vehicle owner, but the more difficult tasks are best left to the
professionals. If you notice any areas needing attention on your car consult with a professional
automotive technician.

Author:

Matt Farnham is a mobile mechanic and owner of Auto Repair 2 You. Farnham is an expert in
vehicle repair and has serviced thousands of vehicles across Arizona.

This press release was produced by Matt Farham. The views expressed here are the author’s own.