Car safety for kids in the summer heat
Dr. Sadiqa Kendi of Safe Kids Worldwide joins the AccuWeather Network on the importance of protecting your kids from the summer heat, especially with the dangers of hot cars.
- Summer heat can negatively impact your car battery and paint.
- Drivers should use products and accessories to protect their cars from the sun.
- Checking fluids regularly is essential.
Winters can be rough on your vehicle, but summers can be just as bad.
If you are in a region with extreme or even moderate heat during the summer, you have to keep yourself and your car cool. That means taking care of your battery, keeping vehicle fluids full, and keeping your windshield covered. All three actions can help your car survive the sun. It would also help to keep a few unexpected items in your car, too.
Here is a summer car maintenance checklist to help you get through the season.
Protecting your battery
When a car is outside, the components under your hood can get hot, including your battery. This could lead the electrolyte fluid inside to evaporate, which will result in corrosion and weaken it. Try to park in the shade or a garage to limit the heat. This won’t guarantee that it will remain unharmed by the high temperatures, but it’s a start.
If you live in an area with scorching hot summers, you should look into getting an AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) battery. They’re sealed tightly so the liquid inside won’t evaporate and they last longer than traditional flooded batteries. If you plan to keep your car parked for a long period of time, then consider using a battery tender to keep it charged when not in use. AGM batteries can be bought at auto parts stores and most retail stores — like Walmart or Home Depot — for around $160 and up, while tenders cost around $50.
Check and refill your fluids
The summer heat can impact the fluids inside your car and cause them to be less effective overall. High temperatures cause engine oil to degrade faster, and the lack of lubrication will harm engine components if more oil isn’t added. It can also cause transmission fluid and coolant to lose their viscosity, so you will need to add more to keep the car running properly.
Get a sunshade fitted for your vehicle
On a hot summer day, you might notice a few parked cars with an aluminum foil-looking cover pushed against the windshield. These are called sunshades, and they’re meant to prevent UV rays and heat from overloading the inside of your vehicle. They can also preserve the interior from excessive sunlight, which can cause the seats and dashboard to wrinkle or crack.
Before you buy a sunshade, make sure the dimensions are compatible with your car.
Window tint
Another great way to limit the sun in your car is with window tints. Tinted windows will limit the amount of light that shines through them and will keep the interior cooler while providing the extra benefit of privacy.
Some areas may have limitations on window tints, so make sure you familiarize yourself with your state’s tinting laws first before making any decisions.
Wash and dry your car often
It’s recommended to wash your car weekly during the summer months. That’s because summer heat can harm the paint if the car is overly exposed to the sun. Pollen, dead bugs, bird droppings and tree sap can be a nuisance, too.
Regular washes will keep these contaminants from building up and harming your paint job over time. But when you wash your car, make sure that you dry it properly. Going to a car wash with an air dryer is your best bet. You should also use a microfiber towel to remove any leftover water, which will prevent water spots from forming and causing damage.
Keep some gear for the rain
It’s best to stay out of the sun, but staying dry during the summer rain is just as important.
If you’re exiting your ride during a drizzle or a downpour, it’s helpful if you have an umbrella and a rain poncho handy. Make sure your windshield wipers are working properly, and be aware of when they need to be swapped out for a fresh pair.
Seasons change, and so does car maintenance. While most people take extra precautions before wintertime driving, it’s just as important year-round. Be sure to check your fluids often, keep things clean, and you’ll be good to go.
Keenan Thompson is a car culture reporter for the Detroit Free Press. Contact Keenan at [email protected]. Follow him on Instagram at @keenanautos. To sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.
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