How to Protect Your Car From the Summer Heat

Most car owners are in the habit of preparing the car for winter’s snow, ice and sleet. But summer brings its own set of challenges. Do you know how to protect the car from sun, heat and other warm-weather hazards? Intense heat and sun exposure can affect your vehicle as much as the bitter cold. Skills like knowing how to protect electronics from heat in the car and how to protect car paint from the sun can go a long way toward making sure that your investments stay in good shape for years to come. 

From zapped batteries to paint discoloration, heat exposure can do a number on your vehicle. Keep your car cool and protected all summer long with these car sun protection strategies. 

And if you’re shopping around for auto insurance for road trip season, reach out to Farm Bureau to learn about the best policy for you.

Tip #1: Safeguard Your Battery

In hot temperatures, your battery’s vital liquids can evaporate. Its charge can be weakened, and the corrosion process speeds up. Don’t get caught without a working battery!

During hot weather, help keep your car in good condition by limiting short car trips, not using lights or electronics when the car is turned off and ensuring that both the battery and its posts are clean, since dirt can become a conductor and drain power.

Tip #2: Keep Your Car Looking New

Do car covers protect from the sun? Absolutely – and it’s a smart question to ask. When your car is constantly exposed to UV light, the paint will deteriorate over time, which causes the exterior to turn dull, fade in color and develop a crusty, white surface. If you don’t treat it, the paint may eventually start to peel and fall off, ultimately lowering your vehicle’s resale value. 

Luckily, like protecting your skin in the summertime, you can keep your car looking good by covering up! The best way to prevent damage to your car is by keeping your car in the garage or using a car cover if it is parked outside. Washing your car and polishing or waxing regularly can also protect your car from heat and keep your paint job looking fresh.

Tip #3: Monitor Tire Pressure

Tires typically lose or gain 1 pound per square inch (PSI) for every 10 degrees of temperature change, which means that if your car sits outside all day and the temperature rises from 70 to 90 degrees, your tires could gain as much as 2 PSI, becoming more inflated than they were in cooler weather.

That’s not good news: Overinflated tires can wear prematurely and cause the car to perform poorly overall. So be sure to keep an eye on your tire pressure during the warmer months, especially when the temperatures turn extreme.

Tip #4: Protect What’s Inside the Car

From running errands to shuttling kids to summer camps, your car can become an extension of your home. But in hot weather, this can pose a risk to your belongings and your loved ones. Leather seats and metal buckles can become scalding hot, which burns skin. Electronics might fry if left in the car, and plastic items could melt in the heat. 

To keep your car cool in the summer, use sunshades or window visors, always opt for shady or covered parking when possible, leave your windows rolled down an inch or so to maintain air flow, and keep valuable possessions out of the sun – better yet, bring it inside!

Rain or Shine, We’ve Got You Covered

Whether you’re prepping for winter storms or hitting the open road for a week at the beach, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Reach out to Farm Bureau today to get the customizable auto coverage you need.