How To Care For Your Car In Texas During The Summertime
The summer is excellent for so many reasons, but the extreme heat experienced in our state of Texas can damage your vehicle if you don't follow appropriate preparatory steps. From checking fluid levels to cracking the windows, there are a lot of steps to learning how to care for your car during sweltering temperatures. While it is important to take care of your car in winter, it is equally important to take care of it in the summer. Learn how to take care of your car in the Texas summertime.
How To Care For Your Car In The Texas Summertime
1. Check The Fluid Levels
The first step in learning how to care for your car is to check on the fluid levels. Like humans, cars require fluid to survive, especially in the blazing summer southern sun. The heat certainly highlights the importance of checking motor oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power-steering fluid for evaporation.
Hot engines require more lubrication, so you need to regularly check your oil during the hot summer season to guarantee the tank is full enough and the oil is still fresh. If you don't check your car’s fluid levels regularly, your car won't run as efficiently as it should – which would end up costing you more money in the long run.
2. Leave The Windows Down (But Only A Little Bit)
Naturally, you shouldn't leave your windows all the way down while you are not inside or around the vehicle. However, keeping the windows slightly cracked will promote better circulation around your car. All you need to do is ensure the crack isn't large enough to squeeze a hand or an arm through to prevent foul play from burglars.
3. Inspect The Air Conditioner
Air conditioning is your and your car's best friend under the sweltering sun in Texas. Look at the air conditioner regularly, inspecting for leaks and removing any debris you find. If your air conditioner isn't cooling your car effectively, you should see whether the refrigerant level is low. If it is, you will need to top it off before it works properly.
4. Check And Rotate Your Tires
When it comes to how to care for your car, one thing you can do is rotate your tires. Driving around on tires with low pressure affects braking and handling, causing them to overheat and potentially blow out. And when the temperatures of the asphalt are incredibly high, this risk skyrockets. This can lead to big and unsafe issues for you while you are on the road.
Before you leave your garage, make sure to thoroughly check each tire for proper inflation levels, signs of uneven wear, and tread depth. If anything is abnormal, make sure you enlist the help of a professional mechanic to fix it. It's also important to make sure you are rotating your tires every so often to extend their longevity even in the rain or shine.
5. Be Aware Of The Dash Lights
While keeping an eye on the dash lights is a non-stop consideration, it becomes even more important during the summer season. After all, fluid evaporation and overheating are far more likely at this time of year. Any red flashing lights will require you to switch the hazards on, pull over in a safe location, and switch the engine off as quickly as you can. After that, all you do is release the hood to prevent further damage.
6. Examine Your Battery
Heat zaps battery fluid, causing connection and terminal corrosion. You need to clean any build up from the battery and make sure the cable clamps are fastened securely. Batteries that are older than three years old should be checked by a trained technician to figure out roughly how much longer it will last.
7. Keep The Engine Cool
During the hot summer months, it is important for you to pay close attention to your engine. Engine coolant can become contaminated, depleting its protective additives – especially in the heat. This is why it is important to keep the engine cool. The vehicle manufacturer or a trusted garage should flush out the coolant system and replace it intermittently to avoid this from happening.
Once Your Car Is In Good Shape, Get An Online Auto Title Loan
Learning how to care for your car throughout the summertime in Texas will ensure it's in good working order any time you want to use it. And that doesn't just mean every time you want to drive it — a car in good condition can help you get online auto title loans from Texas Title and Payday Loan Services, Inc. when you have emergency expenses to deal with.
With online auto title loans, you use your vehicle’s lien-free title as collateral to secure the money. Our online auto title loans run all the way to $15,000, which we determine how much we can lend through your vehicle’s overall condition and resale value. Our process is wonderfully simple. The in-person process only takes about half an hour, and you can apply right online. Just go to our website to fill out the online application now and we can help you get started.
Make Sure Your Car Is Safe From The Heat This Summer!
If you own a car, it is important to make sure it is safe from the sweltering heat this summer in Texas. And when it comes to learning how to care for your car, these tips prove it doesn’t have to be difficult! So, follow these seven tips and you’ll have a happy vehicle during this heat! And once your vehicle is in good condition, remember you can use it’s lien-free title to get online auto title loans! Once you are ready, just fill out the online application on our website to get started!
Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.