The summer months can be especially difficult for cars, trucks, and SUVs. The hot weather and environmental conditions force vehicles to encounter higher-than-normal wear and tear. Not only that, their systems must also keep drivers and their passengers comfortable. Together, these factors increase the likelihood of decreased performance and even mechanical breakdown.

Don’t ignore seemingly minor issues regarding your car. Maintenance is a crucial component of vehicle ownership. Not only does it uphold good mileage, handling, and safety, but it also protects your investment.

Here’s what we recommend to keep your car in top shape during the long summer days.

How Summer Weather Accelerates Wear and Tear

To understand why car maintenance in the summer is essential, let’s go over what makes this season particularly tough in the first place:

• Increased temperatures: The high heat associated with summer affects machinery just as much as it affects people. Higher temperatures cause car parts to run hotter than usual, which increases the rate of wear on moving parts. It also causes the various fluids in your vehicle to evaporate faster.

   

• Sun damage: Ultraviolet radiation and direct sunlight can also damage cars. At the cosmetic level, UV exposure causes paint to fade, crack, and peel. They can also degrade rubber and plastic parts. As a consequence, tires and vehicle interiors are particularly vulnerable to hot and bright weather.

   

• The human factor: Summertime also brings about changes to people’s habits, which inevitably extend to driving. If you have kids, you may need to use your car more often now that school is out. Additionally, you may be tempted to crank the AC higher than usual, which may impact performance and gas mileage.
  

These are just a few things to keep in mind when driving in the summer and are not an exhaustive list. With the basics covered, let’s go over what you can do at home to keep your car in road-ready shape.

Be Proactive With Car Care

Any experienced motorist or mechanic will tell you that good maintenance is proactive, not reactive. Performing seemingly small car care tasks at regular intervals will make a big difference in preventing a mechanical breakdown. Here’s a selection of a few simple car care practices to adopt during the summer, as recommended by AAA:

• Check tire pressure: High heat causes gases to expand, which can result in your tires being under higher pressure than usual. Every week, verify that your tire pressure meets the manufacturer’s recommendations, and fill them up when needed. Do this either early in the morning or before sunset, when the temperatures are at their coolest.

   

• Measure fluid levels: Open the hood and inspect the various fluid levels of your vehicle, including oil, transmission fluid, coolant, and windshield wiper fluid. While you can top off the wiper fluid on your own, it’s highly recommended to take your car to a mechanic if anything else seems low. Only replace the motor oil yourself if you are comfortable doing so.

   

• Replace wiper blades and top off washer fluid: You need to see the road clearly to drive safely. In Florida, it’s possible to shift from sun to storms in a matter of minutes. Check your wiper blades for rips, cracks, or advanced wear. Replace them when needed, and don’t forget to top off your windshield washer fluid!
  

Cars are complex machines composed of numerous systems, each of which contains various parts. Some components of your vehicle may require the attention and expertise of an experienced mechanic.

It is highly recommended to have an annual inspection to ensure your vehicle remains safe and in good working condition. Consider a professional to undertake the following maintenance tasks regularly:

• Oil change
• Tire rotation
• Brake inspection
• AC inspection and service
• Belts and hoses inspection and replacement
  

What About Electric Vehicles?

Electric vehicles have gained popularity thanks to their performance, ease of use, and environmental benefits. Much like all cars, however, they are also subject to wear and tear, as well as regular maintenance.

Similar to a smartphone or home electronic device, these vehicles also generate a lot of heat under load. As a result, heat combined with extreme weather can lead to premature wear, overheating, and vehicular breakdown.

Take care of your electric vehicle, especially during the summer. Here are some select EV-specific care tips from Kelley Blue Book. Owners of gas-powered vehicles may find some benefits in these tips as well:

• Charge during “off-peak” hours: Extreme heat affects both charging speed and battery health. Much like inflating tires, it’s recommended to charge your vehicle either early in the day or late at night. Use a slower charger (Level 1 and Level 2 chargers), as they generate less heat while in use.

   

• Precondition your cabin: Remember when your parents “warmed up the car” during winter to prevent sludge in the engine? EVs should follow a similar principle in the summer. Many contemporary models give you the option to cool down the interior while the car remains plugged in. Take advantage of this feature if possible, as it prevents the battery from being overworked when you start up.

   

• Park in the shade: As your car is unattended, heat builds up in the cabin. Very hot cabins result in a desire to crank the AC as soon as possible, which can overwork the battery. Park in the shade whenever possible to reduce the rate at which your cabin retains heat. This also shields the battery from extreme temperatures, increasing its operating life.
  

Finally, here’s advice for all car owners: always be aware of your vehicle’s day-to-day performance. If you notice something feels “off” while driving, it may be an early symptom of a larger issue. Don’t leave these things to chance. Keep your eyes and ears open for any changes in how your vehicle operates, and schedule an inspection with a mechanic if you suspect something’s up. A little awareness now can save a lot of heartbreak (and money) later.

First Florida is your partner in responsible vehicle ownership. If you’re in the market for a new car, you’ll be happy to learn we offer financing with competitive rates and budget-friendly terms. Explore your options today to see if vehicle financing is right for you.