9 Summer Car Tips to Beat The Heat

Summer surely is a great time for fun. Outdoor activities abound and families often take this opportunity to hit the road for a long trip. This is the time of the year that vacation travel is at its peak. According to AAA (Approved Auto Repair) 40 million people traveled for the 4th of July event, just for this year alone.

Needless to say, there are more people bound to drive their cars to auto repair shops for breakdowns and other car issues due to improper maintenance. So if you have plans for a long travel on the road, it is best to make the necessary preparations ahead of time.

According to Car Care Council, the common car issues are found in the cooling system, tires, and batteries. Therefore, deliberately keep an eye on these three items of your car to ensure safety and smooth driving performance all throughout your travel.

However, do not neglect to check on the following as well as they are tantamount to the safety and maintenance of your car: brakes, air conditioning, belts and hoses, windshield wipes, filters and fluids.

Cooling System

It is during this time that cars overheating are bountiful. To avoid getting into such trouble, always check the water level of your water radiator. Make sure to fill it with coolant and water, equally measured. Take this chance to check on the hoses as well. In case you experience overheat while on the road, remember not to open the radiator cap while the engine is hot. Doing so can cause serious burn to the person.  Always fill from the overflow container.

Tires

Getting a new set of tires is best. However, buying one every time you take a trip is not practical at all. Hence, it is also suggested that every car owner must know how to determine when it is time to replace an old worn out tire , but having a great relationship with you local tire repair shop can take all the guesses out of your tire safety.

To check your tire, bring out a penny, with the head side down and place it between the treads. If you can clearly see the head, I’m sorry but it is time for you to shop for a new set of tires.

Next is to check on the tire inflation level. You must use a tire pressure gauge to get the correct pressure as recommended in your manual or door plaque. Improper inflation or tire pressure level can cause havoc especially when driving  at a fast speed. Over inflated on the other hand is also not safe, as it can cause hydroplaning on wet pavement. with the combination of worn tires with no tread to grab the road.  Rotate, Inflate & Evaluate!

Brakes

Brakes are also important to your safety. Long drive or not, brakes should be checked regularly. Most cars have built-in indicators on the brake pad. The moment  you hear a high squeal, this is a signal to have the brakes looked at, delaying  can cause more monies that could have been a simple repair.

For cars that do not have sensors, you need to trust your hearing ability & the feel of your brake pedal.  If brake pads are completely worn out, normally you will hear grinding and squeaky sounds. Cleaning the brakes may eliminate noises, but if the noise continues to exist you should have it checked right away and get it replaced by your professional.

Batteries

Excessive heat depletes the water in your battery. Good thing today’s batteries are maintenance-free and completely sealed. But if you own an unsealed battery, checking the water level is necessary, remember to top it off with distilled water.

Windshield Wipes

Windshield wipers must be in tip top condition especially during summer. Summer rainstorms is dangerous when driving around with worn out windshield wipers. Take into consideration the winter season which might have taken its toll on your wipers. Don't  take any chances, scratching of your windshield will cost you more than a pair of wipers.

Belts and Hoses

It is best to follow the recommended mileage intervals in changing belts and hoses. This could save you from getting stranded in the middle of nowhere while on a long trip under the scorching heat of the summer.  Extreme heat areas will wear quicker the rubber in drying them out and cracking.  These are visual items you can check  for yourself, rubber should be pliable not stiff.

Fluids

Always keep fluids at its proper level especially your vehicle’s oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid and coolant to avoid expensive repairs.

Filters

Changing your oil and air filters regularly gives better gas mileage saving you money especially during summer when prices goes up. Plus, it allows you to enjoy a smooth driving performance making long trips comfortable despite summer heat.

A/C Check-Up 

                                                  

Summer heat can cause excessive sweating, irritation, inconvenience and more. Well-maintained air-conditioning system makes traffic or long driving easy and convenient.

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Common Car Air Conditioning Problems

The Importance of Car Air Conditioning

Owning a car requires love and care. Do you believe that? Just like people, cars also need to be taken care of otherwise its performance may likely deteriorate. The air conditioning system, being one of the integral parts of a vehicle should be well-maintained. If you notice any trouble or anything that may seem not to be functioning well, make sure to get it serviced immediately.

Remember that air conditioning system is your escapade from the pricking heat of the summer while traveling unless it is no longer blowing cold air. So before the damage worsens, it is best to have it checked by a mechanic. As you all know minor repairs cost lesser than major ones, so don’t wait for your air condition to stop producing air at all.

What you need to do is to have your electrical components and controls checked. Controls such as the capacitors, sump heat, contractors, circuit boards, relays and other accessories are your primary concern. Why? Defective electrical components entail decline in performance level and may cause further trouble while in use.

Let me show you common car air conditioning problems:

1. Low Refrigerant Levels.

This will lead to the inefficiency of air conditioner to produce cold air and may cause overheating. Simply put, once you have a refrigerant level that is less than what is required, the system is forced to work harder than normal. Thus, may cause some malfunction in the system. Just like humans do, if we abuse our body by working too hard than what we are able to may lead to some unpleasant conditions.

Lowering of the refrigerant level may be an indication of leakage inside the system that may need immediate repair. You may add more refrigerant but remember this is only a temporary solution. You need to know where the leak is and have it repaired.

2. Blockage or Debris

Make sure to regularly have your condensing unit checked for possible debris or blockage. As such, you are not only attending to the upkeep of your air condition but also preventing any general damage of the car.

3. Unusual Short Cycling Sound

Compressors must also be regularly checked to avoid problem. Typically, if you can hear any unusual sound from your car’s system, that is already a signal that something is wrong and might incur future damage. So, to avoid experiencing major car repair it is best to bring it to auto shops immediately.

4. Filter Blockage

Anything that blocks is not good. It can cause inefficiency on your car system’s performance. Normally, blockage is cause by excessive accumulation of dirt so you need to clean it up also from time to time.

To avoid going into so much trouble, make sure that these problems does not occur by having your car regularly checked and well-maintained. Keep it clean inside and out.

Author Bio:

Howard J. Fleischmann Sr. is the owner of Community Tire Pros and Auto Repair…offering complete automotive repair as well as tire repair and replacement service, car air conditioning to both domestic and import vehicles.