Summer is right around the corner, and as things heat up, we’ll be looking for ways to cool off. Another thing that will be heating up during the summer is cars.
Cars are essential to many people’s lives. We rely on them. Now the question is, do they rely on us to maintain them properly so they are in tip-top shape during the summer?
Summer brings more than heat to the Santa Clarita Valley. Cars work in overdrive as people blast the air conditioners trying to cool off, and the heat brings problems that may cost you a pretty penny if your vehicle is not prepared for it.
“Summer heat comes around every year, and what happens with a vehicle is heat soak,” said Daniel El Kateb, a service writer at Magic Auto Center.
“Heat gets trapped underneath the hood and could cause a couple of things to go wrong, from overheating to AC not cooling to hoses breaking,” said Kateb.
It’s a good idea to go ahead and at least get your mechanic to check out the vehicle before the summer comes,” said Kateb.
“AC is a really bad thing because when I go in my car right now, it’s gonna be three or four minutes to cool back down,” says Daeshawn Rals, a local car owner.
Everyone faces these struggles, make sure you take care of your ride.
“It’s a good idea to have the fluids checked along with your hoses and belts,” said Kateb. “The main importance would be the coolant and the AC.”
“You want to always make sure that your coolant hoses are not squishy or hard and up to date, and your thermostats are replaced on time,” said Kateb.
Experts say ensuring fresh oil will help the engine run smoother and not heat up. Without fresh oil, it could lead to metal-on-metal grinding and friction.
Also, make sure you have the correct tire pressure. Heat fluctuates the PSI inside the tire, and too much of it can cause a tire to pop while you are on the road.
