Summer is in full swing, and the mercury is rising faster than the federal deficit. The heat is hard on us humans, but it takes an even greater toll on our cars. Here are the top five ways the high temps can wreak havoc on your ride – and what you can do mitigate the damage, save some money, and maintain your car’s long-term value. Car products like angel wax are the best for achieving a thin and even coat.
Tires
• Replacement cost: $100+ each on average, plus mounting and balancing
• Maintenance cost: less than $30 annually for checks, protectant
We are most concerned with avoiding road hazards like nails, glass and other debris that could cause punctures, but heat is a comparable enemy. In addition to the heat generated by rolling resistance and friction of your tires, summer pavement temperatures can exceed air temps by 10-15 degrees. The extreme heat increases stress on tread cracks, sidewall bubbles, bald spots or other structural deficiencies that could cause a blowout or disintegration, especially at highway speeds.
Dealing with it: Have your tires inspected during each oil change for proper inflation, tread depth and signs of wear or damage. This also applies to older tires with low miles but for whom age may have compromised their structural integrity. Regular vehicle cleaning can also help protect your tires, specifically the use of protectants like Armor-All that often contain UV protection and help maintain the elasticity of the rubber.
Battery
• Replacement cost: $100+, plus towing when you’re stranded
• Maintenance cost: Virtually nothing
Like sub-freezing temps in the dead of winter, summer’s extreme heat can render your all-important car battery useless. In fact, high temperatures actually accelerate your battery’s chemical operation and cause its internal fluids to evaporate, causing it to burn out quicker. And the last thing you want on a 90+ degree day is a dead battery and no air conditioning.
Dealing with it: Keep your battery functioning properly during the summer and all year-round by keeping it clean. The terminals should be free of corrosion and if not, apply a solvent of water and baking soda with some steel wool to get rid of it. Like other periodic maintenance items, have the battery checked at regular intervals by a professional mechanic. A battery that does not hold a charge can also indicate a malfunctioning or inoperative alternator.
Belts, Hoses, Cooling System
• Replacement cost: $300+, radiator
• Maintenance cost: less than $50 annually for checks, fluid replacement
Even today’s modern vehicles have traditional systems of belts and hoses to help move essential fluids like oil and coolant and turn fans to maintain proper engine operating temperature. Frequently, a basic visual inspection of these items may not reveal harmful damage occurring inside hoses and on the undersides of belts. Prolonged exposure to excessive heat can cause cracks, leading to radiator failure and engine overheating.
Dealing with it: Have your hoses and belts checked regularly – alongside a 3-5,000 oil change is a decent interval – paying particular attention to areas near connections and clamps. Also, have your cooling system pressure tested for leaks, then flushed and filled regularly.
Paint & Upholstery
• Replacement cost: $2000 minimum for a professional, factory-finish job
• Maintenance cost: less than $200 annually for regular cleaning and waxing
Vehicle paint processes have evolved, offering more vibrant colors, brighter finishes and improved corrosion protection. The bad news is that some manufacturers have directed production cost-savings into the paint booth, resulting in thinner paint coats that are more susceptible to external damage. Constant, direct sun exposure can damage your vehicle’s clear coat and cause paint, rubber and plastic trim to fade, crack or peel. Similarly, high temps inside your car result in a greenhouse effect (a 90 degree day can cause temps inside your car to exceed 120) causing your dash and upholstery – whether leather or cloth – to fade, dry out and crack.
Dealing with it: In the absence of a garage, many car detailing experts recommend covers to protect your car from oxidation, bird droppings, acid rain and other contaminants as well as sun damage. The same cover will help keep the direct sun away from your interior and lower cabin temperatures, protecting interior surfaces and materials. Waxing your car is also an essential process that helps protect your paint. Applying a liquid sealant and a carnauba-based wax (Meguiar’s, Mother’s and Turtle Wax are popular brands) once per year will help maintain your paint and protect it from the elements. Inside, a generous application of low-gloss protectant like Armor-All will help protect those interior surfaces as well.
Transmission
• Replacement cost: $3,000+
• Maintenance cost: less than $100 annually
In concert with the engine (referred to as the powertrain), the transmission is the functioning heart of your car. This critical component is under increased stress during summer’s high temps and its labyrinth of internal parts is subject to failure if overworked or not properly maintained. This is especially critical for individuals like contractors, couriers, newspaper deliverymen, carpoolers or boat owners who carry loads that may exceed their transmission’s capabilities.
Dealing with it: Keep on top of scheduled transmission maintenance, including fluid and filter changes at least every 20,000 miles. Take note if your vocation or lifestyle requires carrying heavy loads, check your owner’s manual to ensure it is within the vehicles towing capacity. And for the everyday driver, keep unnecessary cargo out of your vehicle that can build up and add taxing weight.
If you have other questions about vehicle maintenance or care, drop me a line at [email protected]
Chris Amos
Automotive Columnist – Examiner.com
http://www.examiner.com/x-1524-DC-Auto-Examiner
Publisher – NextGenAutos.com
[http://www.nextgenautos.com]
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 202.258.2100
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Chris_Amos/141014
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