3 Keys to Protecting Your Car in Hot Weather

In the warmer months in Maryland, the harmful rays of the sun and high temperatures can seriously damage the exterior and interior of your vehicle. Your engine and battery are also at risk. Your Kia dealer provides the following advice on how to protect your car during hot weather.

1. Shield the Exterior from the Sun

Extensive exposure to sun and heat will fade and crack your car’s paint job, rubber trims, and seals. You need to guard the exterior of your vehicle against sun and heat exposure as much as you possibly can to avoid damage.

Park in the Shade

Whenever it’s possible, keep your car out of the sun. Find a shady spot or park in a parking garage.

Wash and Wax Your Car Regularly

Washing your vehicle will remove mud, dust, and tree sap that could discolor the paint. Wax your car at least twice a year. Wax forms a protective layer that will protect your car’s paint from fading. It will also prevent grime and dust from causing minor nicks and scratches.

Treat Rubber and Window Trim

Treat window trims and rubber seals with a UV protectant designed for rubber. This will prevent the sun from drying the rubber out and forming cracks.

Check the Tire Pressure

Underinflated tires on hot road surfaces are never good. Not only will it damage the tires, but it may lead to a blowout. When it’s hot, check your tire pressure more frequently to ensure that the tires are inflated to the correct PSI. Also, inspect the tread and sidewalls for wear and damage.

2. Protect the Interior from Harmful UV Rays

Sun and heat can damage your dashboard, steering wheel, and upholstery when exposed to direct sunlight for long periods. The dashboard will dry out, start to crack, and lose its glossy finish. The upholstery will fade, crack, and tear.

Keep the Sun Out

Front and rear window protectors or sunshades will keep direct sunlight out of your car that will damage the interior. Get your windows tinted to reduce sun and heat damage.

Use Covers

If you leave your car in the sun often, cover as much of the interior as possible. Seat and steering covers will reduce the damage caused by sun and heat exposure.

Take Care of the Dashboard

Your dashboard needs extra protection to prevent dryness and cracking. Use a dashboard interior UV protective cleaning product and a dash cover to ensure that your dashboard maintains its gloss finish.

Look After the Upholstery

Use a conditioning oil designed for the specific material your upholstery is made of. This will prevent leather and vinyl seats from cracking and tearing.

3. Decrease the Heat Under the Hood

Hot temperatures increase the heat under the hood, and extra precautions must be taken. Heat affects your engine, battery, and fluids, and your car has a much higher chance of overheating.

Check the Fluids Regularly

In hot weather, your car uses fluids quicker. You must check all the fluid levels regularly and top them off when necessary. When it’s hot outside, the cooling system works harder. Your vehicle relies on the coolant to keep the engine cool. During the warm months, regular coolant level checks and oil and filter changes are crucial.

Inspect Your Battery

The heat is tough on batteries. High temperatures can evaporate the battery’s fluids and weaken the charge. Routine battery inspections and tests are vital to avoid battery problems and getting stranded next to the road.

Watch the Temperature Gauge

Keep an eye on the temperature gauge when it’s hot out to prevent overheating.

Get Your Kia Serviced in Lanham at Our Kia Service Department

Shield your car from the sun and protect the interior, exterior, and your car’s engine and battery. Contact DARCARS Lanham Kia today to keep your car up to date on maintenance. Our qualified technicians will perform a thorough inspection to ensure that your vehicle is in tip-top condition to withstand the heat.

Tags: Car Maintenance, Hot Weather Car Tips
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