As we transition from the winter and into summer, there are a series of changes in road conditions that make it necessary to make certain adjustments to our cars so as to make our trips comfortable and safe. Whether you’re taking a short grocery run or a long road trip, these are some measures that will have the most significant impact on your car. If you don’t know which changes to make, here are some essentials to help you get started.
Test Your Air Conditioning Unit
There are few things that are worse than being stuck in a car with an ineffective air conditioning unit during summer. A good way to determine the functionality of your air conditioning unit is to test if your AC unit is able to blow out air that’s cold enough. If the air isn’t cold enough, it’s likely that you may need to add refrigerant or to replace your air filters. Keep in mind that fixing AC units will almost always require the expertise of a professional AC repairman.
Check Your Tire Pressure
Heat also has a direct effect on your tire pressure. Heat causes tire pressure to increase. For every 10 degrees fahrenheit, your tire pressure will increase by 1PSi. You also have to account for the extra heat generated as you drive your car. This increase in tire pressure will easily put it beyond recommended standards, which will cause your tires to wear unevenly. Always check your tire pressure and make the necessary adjustments to counteract this risk.
Ensure That Your Radiator Has Enough Coolant
Car engines will normally operate just fine at around 90 degrees F. However, it’s going to be much more likely to reach peak temperatures during hot weather as eternal temperatures will also have a significant effect on the rate at which your engine heats up. This will not only mean that your car engine is more likely going to overheat, but also that you’re going to have to compensate for this increased rate of heat with more coolant. You may also want to consider bringing extra coolant if your car overheats often.
Check Your Battery and Replace if Necessary
Batteries have a finite lifespan that only further depreciates when the battery is exposed to extreme temperatures (as is the case when transitioning between spring and summer). Always test your battery whenever there is a drastic change in temperature as batteries are more likely to fail during these transitions.
Update Your Emergency Kit
Updating your emergency kit to suit new conditions can sometimes become a matter of life and death. While we won’t provide a full list, some essentials that you should always have in your emergency kit are flares, a first aid kit, an emergency blanket, a power bank, water, and non-perishable food.
There are also additions that can make your car more comfortable both in the winter and summer. Factors such as window tint, car seat coolers and heaters, and a sunroof can all serve as measures that will help make your excursions that much safer. While these options come at a cost, the convenience these measures provide cannot be overlooked.
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