Ways to Prepare Your Car for Summer Heat in Texas

There are no two ways about it: summer heat in Texas is brutal and long lasting. It doesn’t just take a toll on people, gardens, livestock and crops; it also stresses the vehicles people drive. As a driver, you need to learn ways to prepare your car for extreme heat. Simple tasks that are performed regularly contribute greatly to the safety of drivers and passengers, the safety of the car, and also help to extend the life of the vehicle. By taking the time to check over your car each week, you may be able to save a huge amount of money on unavoidable car repairs. You will have great peace of mind in knowing that you and your passengers will be safe wherever you are traveling in the brutal heat. Maintain Optimal Fluid Levels in Your Car The North Texas Tollway Association has recommendations for drivers as to ways to prepare their cars for the sweltering summer heat that is so prevalent in Texas. Proper fluid levels will ensure the proper functioning of the car’s engine and other systems. Check the oil, transmission fluid, power-steering fluid, brake and windshield wiper fluid, and the antifreeze and coolant. The cooling system is important for passenger comfort. Don’t Let Car Overheat The leading cause of car breakdowns during the hot Texas summer is overheated cars. Drivers can easily prevent this problem and avoid being stranded in potentially life-threatening situations by making sure that the car’s anti-freeze is refreshed (even though you rarely use it.) Also make sure that the radiator always has plenty of coolant. That helps to reduce the engine temperature and ensures that any leaks are tightly sealed. Check Air Conditioning System AAA recommends that drivers have a certified technician check their car’s air conditioning system. If the air conditioning isn’t working well, that could easily be an indication of low refrigerant. Some vehicles have cabin filters that prevent outside debris from entering the ventilation system. Replacing the cabin filter can sometimes improve the quality of air flow and cooling so passengers are more comfortable. Use Higher Quality Oil Switching to high-performance synthetic motor oil is another effective way to reduce engine heat because the heat is dispersed faster. Examine Belts and Hoses Inspecting belts and hoses is just as important as adjusting car fluid levels. Cracked belts or worn out hoses also contribute to engine overheating. A cracked belt is easily recognizable because it is either unusually soft or hard. Check hose clamps to ensure that they are tight, and make sure that there is no corrosion or cracking at the ends. To be on the safe side, carry a kit filled with spare belts and hoses in your vehicle so that you can replace them as necessary. Extreme heat stresses these parts of the car, causing all sorts of damage. Inflate Tires Regularly Cars that have properly inflated tires get better gas mileage. When tires aren’t properly inflated, they are much more susceptible to blow-outs, and blown out tires on highways present a dangerous situation for you and other drivers around you. A sticker on the door jamb on the driver’s side of the car will indicate the proper tire pressure. Make sure that you also have a fully inflated spare tire. It is also a good idea, as suggested by AAA, for drivers to keep a fully stocked emergency kit in their cars. Stock car emergency kits with plenty of water, non-perishable food, flashlights and extra batteries, jumper cables, an emergency beacon or road flares, hand tools, a tire jack, and a fully equipped first aid kit. Know where the emergency and rest stops are along highways.