Prevent Expensive Car Damage in the Heat with These Tips

Author Anne Erickson

June 19th 3:19 PM

Much of the United States is experiencing record temperatures this week, and since summer is just starting, it’s a trend we could see all summer long. You can prevent expensive car damage in a heat wave with some special tips. In reality, hot temperatures can really take a toll on your vehicle, so following these guidelines from experts can save your car a lot of pain and save you money. I absolutely love my Chevy Malibu and will be employing these tips to prevent car damage in this massive heat wave we’re having.

Prevent Costly Car Damage in a Heat Wave

Park in the shade. One very simple thing you can do to prevent car damage in a heat wave, according to experts, is to simply park your vehicle where the sun isn’t beating down. By parking in the shade, your car will stay cooler than it would be in the sunlight. “If it’s safe to do so, open the windows a crack to help lower the interior temperature and equalize the air pressure,” suggests StateFarm.com.

Get a sunshade. Some simple car accessories can help keep your car as cool as possible in the heat. AutoZone.com suggests getting a sunshade. “It folds up tidily when it’s not in use, deploys in seconds, and you’ll notice the difference the first time you use it,” they note. They add that “there are universal sunshades as well as model-specific sunshades,” and they’re all pretty inexpensive.

Wax your car. Want your car to stay looking good, even with all the sun exposure? The car experts at BigMobile.com say you have to wax your car at least twice a year in order to protect the exterior paint. “Wax acts as a protective layer, minimizing scratches and UV damage,” they note. They also say that if you want a more permanent fix, get a ceramic coating to protect your vehicle from the damaging sun. “Being tough, durable, and heat-resistant, ceramic coatings can keep your vehicle bright and shiny for a long time,” they note.

Keep up with your scheduled maintenance. Summer is not the time to skip on your regular maintenance. According to the experts at AAA, keeping up with “oil changes, fluid level checks, battery tests and tire inspections go a long way toward reducing the chances of a breakdown.” They also suggest to “get your electrical charging system tested at the same time as the battery.”

7 Severe Weather Safety Tips That May Save Your Life

• 1. Know the Difference Between an Advisory, Watch and Warning

  A weather advisory, watch and warning all need to be taken seriously. So, what do they mean? According to the National Weather Service, “a warning is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely.” A watch is where “the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location or timing is still uncertain.” Finally, an advisory means, “hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely.”

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• 2. Stay Inside at All Costs

  During a severe thunderstorm, and any severe weather event, the best thing to do is stay inside and sheltered. “The best defense against thunderstorms is to stay inside a sturdy building or shelter that can protect you from deadly lightning, large hail, damaging winds, flooding rain and tornadoes,” the National Weather Service says. Also, you don’t want to risk getting hit by lightning, like in the image below.

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• 3. Get Low and Protected

  During a tornado, get underground if possible. If you don’t have a basement, get to the lowest floor possible. Also, during a tornado, watch for flying and falling debris. The National Weather Service advises to “use pillows, blankets, coats, helmets, etc. to cover up and protect your head and body from flying debris.”

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• 4. Always Have an Emergency Kit

  Be prepared. Have a good emergency kit, both in your house and your car. For the car, “An emergency kit should include booster cables, shovel, tow rope, sand or cat litter, and a flashlight with extra batteries,” the National Weather Service says. “Do not forget a first aid kit, non-perishable food, and blankets or sleeping bags.”

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• 5. Stay Gassed Up

  This one my mom and dad always tell me to do. And, they’re right. “Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel line,” the National Weather Service advises.

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• 6. Be Prepared for Heat, Too

  Heat can make for a severe weather event, too. So, dress appropriately when it gets really hot. “Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures,” the National Weather Service says. They add to guzzle lots of “water or non-alcoholic fluids.”

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• 7. Don't Stick Around

  Sometimes, you just have to leave ahead of the storm to be safe. In the case of a hurricane, the National Weather Service says to “leave immediately if ordered.” They also say that if you are allowed to stay, to “take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level during the storm. Put as many walls between you and the outside as you can,” and “stay away from windows, skylights and glass doors.”

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Author Anne Erickson

Category:

• Human Interest