Even if you're not fond of science, it helps to know how the heat during the summer can affect your car and its interior components. This post can explain this to you in easy to understand terms.

The Effects of the Summer Heat on Your Vehicle

There is no doubt that the summer is the hottest season of the year. While this heat may be a nice break from the cold, it can still do some harm. Just like it can cause sunburns on humans, it can definitely affect your vehicle's wellbeing in a number of ways. To find out more, keep reading.

Cosmetic Damages

Sun exposure for humans can result in long term damages; the same is true for your car. If you park your car in the sun, you may notice that just about everything inside becomes too hot to touch. While this may seem like a minor inconvenience, certain parts may actually be getting damaged. Your dashboard and other plastic parts can start to fade and crack thanks to sun exposure. If you have leather seats, these can also start to crack and tear as a result of sun damage. The same is true for your car's paint job. The more sun exposure it gets, the more likely it is to fade and crack. There are a couple ways to prevent all of this from happening. The best way is to always park in a covered area, like a garage or under some shade. If this isn't possible, cover your car to protect it from the elements and place a sunshield in your windshield to keep the sun out.

Dead Batteries

While the winter cold can cause batteries to die out faster, the summer heat isn't much better. People tend to use their car more often during the summer because the weather is much nicer for driving or taking longer trips. This, unsurprisingly, can put more strain on your battery. Chances are you also use the air conditioning more regularly this season. While we always remember that this uses fuel, we tend to forget that it also uses up more of our battery's life. To avoid getting stranded due to a dead battery, we recommend getting it tested just to be sure it'll last through the season. It's also a good idea to always carry jumper cables just in case.

Engine Oil Issues

Operating temperatures under the hood already tend to be quite high, so when they combine with extreme outdoor temperatures, they can lead to a series of issues in your engine. Your motor oil is likely to evaporate faster or burn off much more rapidly if working under very high temperatures. Its viscosity can also change, leading to issues with lubrication and friction. To keep your engine thoroughly protected, invest in a synthetic oil. One of the many benefits of synthetic oil is that it can resist evaporation better than conventional oils, keeping your engine protected no matter what season it is. To keep your engine well protected all year long, give your car a synthetic oil change. Synthetic oil is the best option for your car, motorcycle, or watercraft. To find the best AMSOIL Oil, contact Schell Distributing Inc at (208)524-0322.

Tire Pressure Changes

Higher temperatures can cause air to expand, meaning the air inside your tires will expand causing your tires to be overinflated. Not only does this make your traction worse, it can also lead to higher chances of a blowout. Since the pavement is also very hot, your tires will have a hard time staying at their best. Give your tires a good inspection to be sure they can handle the heat and check your tire pressure at least monthly. If your tires become overinflated, make the proper adjustments to keep you safe on the road.

Coolant Can't Keep Cool

Your coolant is always working to keep your engine going at a manageable temperature. Problems arise when there are any issues in the cooling system. Even a tiny leak can lead to coolant loss and eventually and overheating engine. Electrical issues, like a malfunctioning fan or water pump, can also add to the problem. Because some summer days can be extremely hot, this can all add up to you having to pull over on the highway to prevent your engine from overheating. Keep an eye on your coolant to be sure it's always at the right level in order to prevent any inconveniences.

Get a Synthetic Oil Change in Idaho Falls, ID

If it's time for your next oil change, make it a synthetic oil change. Contact Schell Distributing Inc at (208)524-0322 to learn more about the benefits of using their AMSOIL synthetic oil. To check out their full range of products, stop by their online shop.