The summer heat can affect everyone and everything. Sometimes, the heat can be unbearable outside so we end up spending time indoors where we can better control the environment. Even in Minneapolis, summer also means higher than normal temperatures. But what about your cars? Do you just let them suffer in the heat?
Although cars are built to be tough and won’t easily be damaged by summer temperatures or cold temperatures, it still affects them. It would be nice if we all had air-conditioned indoor parking but we don’t.
When the weather heats up, so does your car. It’s important to take steps to keep your car cooler in the summer so that it doesn’t overheat and break down. Here are eight tips for keeping your car cool this summer.
Park in the shade
One of the best ways to keep your car cooler in the summer is to park it in the shade. If you can, find a spot under a tree or another type of shelter. This will help block out the direct sunlight and heat.
Sunlight on the metal heats up easily and you’d want to protect your car from that. The heat from the sun can also cause the dashboard to warp and crack.
Use a sunshade
If you can’t find a spot in the shade, then use a sunshade. This is a piece of material that you put on your windshield to reflect the sunlight and keep your car cooler. Apart from the front, you can also put some sunshade or reflector on the rear window to reflect more light and prevent the car from heating up.
Open the windows for ventilation
Another way to keep your car cooler in the summer is to open the windows for ventilation. When you’re driving, crack open the windows so that the hot air can escape and cooler air can come in. This will help regulate the temperature inside your car.
However, don’t leave the windows completely down as this will create drag and slow down your car. Plus, it’s not safe to have the windows down when you’re driving because it decreases your hearing and makes it harder to hear horns or sirens.
Use Reflective Window Tint
Window tint helps keep your car cooler by reflecting sunlight away from the car. It also blocks out some of the heat so that less enters the car. If you don’t have a window tint, then you can use aluminum foil to create a temporary solution. Simply cut out pieces of aluminum foil and tape them to the inside of your windows.
This will help reflect some of the heat away from the car. However, it’s not as effective as window tint and it won’t look as good.
Check your coolant levels
Another important tip for keeping your car cooler in the summer is to check your coolant levels. The coolant helps keep your engine cool and prevents it from overheating. When the weather gets hot, the coolant level in your car can drop quickly so it’s important to check it often.
If the coolant level is low, then add more to the tank. You can usually find coolant at auto stores or gas stations. If you do not carefully watch the coolant level, you might end up with a car that’s overheated and stuck on the road.
Use a fan
If you don’t have air conditioning in your car, then use a fan to help keep the air moving. This will help circulate the cooler air and keep the temperature down. You can use a handheld fan or an electric fan that plugs into the cigarette lighter.
Avoid using the AC all the time
Although it’s tempting to blast the air conditioning all the time, it’s not good for your car. The AC puts a strain on the engine and can cause it to overheat. If possible, only use the AC when you’re driving at high speeds or in stop-and-go traffic.
At other times, you can open the windows or use a fan to keep the air moving.
Cover your steering wheel and seats
Another way to keep your car cooler in the summer is to cover your steering wheel and seats. This will help protect them from the sun and heat. You can find covers for both the steering wheel and seats at auto stores or online.
Final thoughts
Summer heat can be tough on everyone, including your car. But by taking some precautions, you can help keep your car cooler in the summer.
Whether it’s summer, winter, or any season in between, you can’t be assured that your car won’t ever break down and be in need of roadside assistance. When that happens, the best one to call in the Minneapolis area is Timber Towing and Recovery…
