Cars, just like humans and animals, are susceptible to extreme heats. When you factor in the natural heat generated by a car along with the heat absorbed by the Summer sun in it’s metal exterior, you can imagine that the internal mechanics of a car undergo extreme amounts of heat related strain, especially in the months of July, August, and even September. Here’s a guide to protecting your car from the extreme heat as written by the towing experts at Towing Chicago.
Car Interior Heat Protection
Cover your Windshield
Buy a sunshade to cover up the windshield to prevent the sun’s rays from affecting the dashboard, steering wheel, and center console of your vehicle – as well a reducing interior heat.
Tinted Windows
Tinted windows lower heat, UV exposure, and glare while driving. Just make sure that your level of window heat matches the legal stipulations.
Keep Windows Slightly Open
By slightly cracking your windows when you’re parked, you prevent the inside of the car from becoming extremely hot which can cause fading and degradation of interior materials.
Car Exterior Heat Protection
Care for your Battery
Heat can affect car batteries. Make sure to test your battery on a regular basis, and clean the top of it off when you do.
Wash your Car
Debris, particles, and dirt on top of your vehicle can heat up and scratch it’s topcoat of paint. When dust mixes with rain, it can leave spotting on the car’s surface. Protect the vehicle’s exterior by washing it regularly.
Wax your Car
Coat your car with a layer of wax. This can keep the surface of your car looking bright, with a level of shine, and also helps repel accumulation of debris and dirt, as well as water spotting. We recommend waxing your car during the intermediate Spring and Autumn seasons.
Park in the Shade
By parking in the shade, or ideally under an obstruction that will constantly block the sun’s rays, you will keep the interior temperature to a lower level which helps prevent heat based degradation of the vehicle, as well as uncomfortably hot vinyl or leather seats.
Car Covers
If it’s impossible to park underneath a covering, buy a car cover. Car covers are like fitted car blankets that keep the sun’s rays, particles, and dirt off of the exterior of your vehicle, shielding it from sun damage. It can provide excellent weather protection when parking underneath a covering is not an option for you.