As we shuttle ourselves from house to office to mall and back looking for a place to stay cool, our cars are suffering. While they're not exactly in pain, keeping the temperature down in your car's cabin requires lots of energy and we all know what the by-product of energy consumption is: heat. Couple that with your internal combustion engine and ambient temperatures hovering in the low- to mid-40s and you get a potential recipe for trouble.
This is especially true if your car is not so new. Let's start with the battery and the charging system. It's late evening, it's a stifling 32 degrees Celsius, the A/C and the rear defroster are on and it's raining. Can you image the load on the battery and alternator? If your charging system is getting weak in the knees and your battery is no longer a spring chicken, an hour of this kind of abuse will certainly send these components to the grave. To be safe, make sure you check your starting (battery) and charging systems at every other oil change.
Next, your car's cooling system and other fluids: Most of these liquids break down over time and lose their inherent abilities to lubricate, transfer heat and more. Your engine coolant is key in maintaining a safe engine operating temperature. If it's old and contaminated, and your fan fails, you will be up the proverbial creek without a paddle. Engine oil and brake fluid are two other liquids that should not be overlooked. Dirty or low levels of oil require immediate attention. Brake fluid does get contaminated over time and deals with tonnes of heat every day. You should get it flushed every 2 to 3 years.
Here's an answer to an often-asked question: Should I use the A/C or drive with the windows down? If you mostly drive in the city, air conditioning will make you consume more fuel. So windows down. On the highway, with the windows open, the excess drag will actually burn more gas. Best if you keep the windows up and use A/C.
Your tires are also vulnerable to the heat. Checking the tire pressure to ensure proper inflation could mean the difference between a smooth ride and a blown out tired thanks to the heat. Worn-out tires are also vulnerable to heat, so if you notice bald patches on your tires or you know it's time for a new set, don't hesitate to get that done before the heat sets in.
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| Photo: Thinkstock |
This is especially true if your car is not so new. Let's start with the battery and the charging system. It's late evening, it's a stifling 32 degrees Celsius, the A/C and the rear defroster are on and it's raining. Can you image the load on the battery and alternator? If your charging system is getting weak in the knees and your battery is no longer a spring chicken, an hour of this kind of abuse will certainly send these components to the grave. To be safe, make sure you check your starting (battery) and charging systems at every other oil change.
Next, your car's cooling system and other fluids: Most of these liquids break down over time and lose their inherent abilities to lubricate, transfer heat and more. Your engine coolant is key in maintaining a safe engine operating temperature. If it's old and contaminated, and your fan fails, you will be up the proverbial creek without a paddle. Engine oil and brake fluid are two other liquids that should not be overlooked. Dirty or low levels of oil require immediate attention. Brake fluid does get contaminated over time and deals with tonnes of heat every day. You should get it flushed every 2 to 3 years.
Here's an answer to an often-asked question: Should I use the A/C or drive with the windows down? If you mostly drive in the city, air conditioning will make you consume more fuel. So windows down. On the highway, with the windows open, the excess drag will actually burn more gas. Best if you keep the windows up and use A/C.
Your tires are also vulnerable to the heat. Checking the tire pressure to ensure proper inflation could mean the difference between a smooth ride and a blown out tired thanks to the heat. Worn-out tires are also vulnerable to heat, so if you notice bald patches on your tires or you know it's time for a new set, don't hesitate to get that done before the heat sets in.
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| Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com |