There is a lot to love about summer—but just as the sun and heat can occasionally take their toll on our bodies, it can also cause issues for cars. The guide below explains some of these effects, as well as the auto maintenance needed to keep your vehicle in reliable working condition. After all, its job is not only to take you to work or the supermarket and back—but to facilitate all those summer adventures.

What Does Hot Weather Do to Cars?

1. Damages Interior

You likely know the unpleasant feeling of climbing into your car on a summer day—your legs sticking to the hot seat and the metal components of your seatbelt almost too warm to touch. This is because the inside of the car acts essentially like a greenhouse, with the sun warming the air inside the vehicle, where it then has no way to get out. These ultraviolet rays can also fade the upholstery, and cause the dashboard to discolor and crack over time. To avoid this, park in the shade as much as possible and consider buying a sunshade to place on the underside of the windshield.

2. Affects Tire Pressure

Hot temperatures can increase tire pressure, which can lead to a blowout while driving. Therefore, use a gauge to measure the pressure once a month—in most cars, the psi value should fall somewhere between 32 and 35, but this should always be checked against your manufacturer’s recommendations. Additionally, make sure they are replaced when they get too worn as part of proactive auto maintenance.

3. Drains the Battery

The car’s battery is what gives the vehicle power. However, in hot weather, the water inside it can evaporate and lower its efficiency. Whether you plan to take your car on an extended vacation or drive it locally, keep a set of jumper cables in your vehicle. This way, if the battery begins to lose power, you won’t be stranded. When you take the car into the shop for an oil change, make sure they top off the fluid in the battery as well.

Proper auto maintenance is crucial for your vehicle’s performance. For more than 25 years, Kelly’s Auto Repair in Lincoln, NE, has provided customers throughout Lancaster County with a variety of superior auto services. Whether you need a new car battery, brake service, or new tires, they’re here to help. To schedule an appointment, call (402) 467-4602 today. You can also follow them on Facebook for more auto maintenance tips.