Car Care During Extreme Summer Weather

Car care and road safety are super important as we move through all the seasons, hence it is crucial to ensure your car is summer-ready. Weather conditions are beyond our control, but what we can definitely do is be smart and prepare our vehicles to ensure safety. While summer heatwaves are a rarity across most of Canada, they are mostly found in the southern region of the country. In general, it is good to maintain your vehicle throughout the year, but we are focusing on the heatwave to keep you safe and sane.

• Engine - It is important that your engine is running at the right temperature regardless of how hot it gets, and the cooling system is responsible for this. Check your engine and components surrounding it if you think it has been overheating due to the heatwave. Never ignore the ‘check engine’ sign on your dashboard.
• Coolant - Check the coolant level for starters, during summers it is mandatory to maintain a good coolant level. Your vehicle's coolant is responsible for maintaining the temperature of the engine. It flows through the radiator in order to do so, Sometimes your coolant may be contaminated as well. In such a case the coolant will need to be drained and refilled with clean, fresh coolant. 
• A/C components - Sometimes the only way to survive during your drives is your AC, if you notice that your car's air conditioner is blowing hot air, then there may be a fault with the condenser. Also, check for any loose hoses that are connected to the AC and fix them accordingly, there may also be a block or leak that may need fixing. A bad AC can be a big cause for your engine overheating, so never take it lightly.
• Hoses and Pipes - Canadian weather is about the extremes, and all the hoses and pipes in your vehicle battle it too, just like you! It only makes sense to check them as they expand and contract with the change of season, it can cause cracks, breaks, and other wear and tear. Because almost all components are connected via pipes and hoses, any damage can cause problems with the connected components. 
• Tires - basics of physics, hot air expands and this is exactly what happens if the air in the tire is too full. During summers the air in your tires will inevitably expand, if the optimal air is not filled, then the tire can burst. This is not only hazardous for yourself but also for others on the road. Don’t overinflate your tires in summer, It is also important to let your car cool before you proceed to inflate the tires, the tire pressure gauge will be your best friend.
• Air Filter - All the use of air conditioning, calls for regular maintenance of the car air filter. It’s good to perform a check before the season and clean or replace it as needed. A monthly check on the air filter will help your vehicle function better.
• Car Battery - Heat causes evaporation of all liquids, and it also happens to battery fluid. Top it up and keep a close eye on your battery, and keep it from overheating during heat faves and extremely hot weather.
• Break-down plan -  Better to be prepared than being sorry, a breakdown plan is good for sanity. No matter what season, having a simple protocol and important contact numbers handy is a smart thing. 

The only way to conquer the heatwave is to prepare yourself, and your car. Here’s a quick and easy checklist:

• Park in the shade - Parking in the shade not only is the smarter way to doge your car heating up, it also extends the life of your car's insides! Try to park in the garage, or in shaded areas as much as possible. 
• Cover up - To protect your own skin and also your car. The exposure to heat is inevitable and so is the heating up of your dashboard, steering wheel, gearbox, seat, and well, everything! Use simple white towels, or buy covers to keep away from direct sunlight.
• Don’t leave anyone inside kids and pets - Low ventilation when the car is off can be detrimental to one's health, never leaves kids or pets in the car unattended. The hot air inside the cabin can cause suffocation, and heat up the interiors of the car. It’s important to let some heat out of the car before starting it too, wait for the A/C to cool, and then begin driving.
• UV protection for self and others on the road - The impact of sun exposure is profound, using sunscreen is essential no matter how long you are going to be out, especially for children. Also don’t miss out on UV protective eye-wear, keep a spare in the car if needed. Your car may also suffer damage from exposure to UV rays like; discoloration of your car exteriors, chipping of paint due to excessive heat, and the glossy finish of your car trims can also be impacted.
• Perform car checks - Regular car checks are important, keep a close eye on tire pressure, coolant, any funny noises from the engine or A/C, and never under any circumstance ignore the check coolant light. 
• Build the energy - While you may eat food, your vehicle needs a solid battery to work your car. Check, repair, and replace as needed. For your battery to be in top-notch conditions, the other parts connected to the battery also need to be in good working condition. 
• Stay hydrated - Keep yourself hydrated and your car too, check coolant and up all the necessary fluids, by changing them or topping them up as needed. Any leakages in the coolant hoses will also have to be inspected and changed.
• Breakdown plans - Yes, just as we crash due to heat, our car can too. An emergency kit, with basic tools, first aid equipment, jump starter, water, and non-perishable foods can give the kick needed to reach home/mechanic safely. Also keep an umbrella, sun cap/and hat handy.

The rare but hazardous dust storm warrants a bit of your attention too. Some safety tips to keep in mind if at all you were to encounter a dust storm would be;

• Stay in instead of going out.
• Pullover if visibility is low
• Drive slowly and maintain plenty of distance from other vehicles
• Use low beams on your headlights, high beams are a big ‘no’ as they may scatter in the dust causing a glare instead of a beam.
• Keep an eye on the weather forecast
• After the storm perform a simple DIY car check,  check your windshield and wipers for any damages, clean/ replace the air filter as needed, you can do a DIY air filter change easily at home

When it comes to driving, your vehicle's condition will ensure you keep safe. A car that is not equipped to handle the heat,  will give up on you on the road. Preventing such situations is key to maintaining safety and sanity while driving. If you’re stuck at home and want to fix your car, order car parts online and have them reach your doorstep in just a matter of days. Stay safe, and take care of yourself and your vehicle!