NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — People across the Volunteer State are dealing with a dangerous heat wave, which can also damage vehicles.
According to home and auto insurer State Farm, during testing conducted at its Vehicle Research Facility, interior air temperatures have been recorded at more than 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, interior surfaces exposed to direct sunlight reportedly reached temperatures higher than 195 degrees.
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In addition to the dashboard and seats, the sun’s rays can put a car’s finish and engine at risk. State Farm shared the following tips for protecting your vehicle during the summer months:
- For the interior:
- Park in the shade. By avoiding direct sunlight, you’ll help keep your dash from drying and cracking. Also, if it’s safe to do so, crack open the windows to lower the interior temperature and equalize the air pressure.
- Use a windshield sun protector to keep your car cool and prevent sun damage. These visors are quite easy to unfold and slide into place on your dash.
- Wipe the dash frequently with a microfiber cloth to remove dust and dirt particles, which can cause tiny scratches that can worsen over time. A low-gloss detailing product will also protect it and reduce glare.
- Install seat covers, which not only protect leather and fabric seats, but also help keep them cool.
- To help avoid cracks or tears in leather seats, keep them clean and apply leather conditioner often.
- For the exterior:
- Wash and dry your vehicle often. Sun and heat can fade and crack the paint, so wash and hand dry the car often to help remove dirt and dust particles than can cause micro scratches and dull the finish.
- A layer of wax between your car’s finish and the sun’s ultraviolet rays can help protect the vehicle, so it’s best to wax your car on a regular basis.
- “Hot pavement and underinflated tires can be a dangerous combination, and may lead to a blowout,” the insurance company said. “Even good tires can lose about one pound of air pressure a month, so it’s really important to check tire pressure often when it’s hot. Make sure you follow your vehicle’s manufacturer recommended tire pressure.”
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According to State Farm, some preventative car maintenance and simple upkeep can also help you stay on the road and out of the mechanic’s garage:
- To keep your engine from overheating, make sure the cooling system is in good working order by having the belts checked, the antifreeze/coolant drained, and the belts and fluids changed on a regular basis per the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation.
- The possibility of overheating greatly increases when fluid levels are below recommended levels, so regularly check the motor oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid. If you need to top off any of them, check your owner’s manual about the types of fluids recommended.
- High temperatures and high accessory loads — such as the use of the vehicle’s air conditioning — can cause the battery to wear out and fail more quickly. Have a professional mechanic check your car’s battery and complete charging system regularly to make sure it’s functioning properly.
- If your car’s interior temperature isn’t cool enough, the refrigerant charge level in the air conditioning system could be low or there could be a more serious problem, so have it checked by a professional.
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