Helping Your Car Survive the Summer Heat

Keeping Ford Drivers Cruising Around Ellicott City

With summer finally upon us, it's important that you prep your car for the warm weather. There are several ways you can help your car survive extremely high temperatures; with a little help from Apple Ford near Ellicott City, your car will be less likely to overheat and/or face heat-related damages. So, what do you need to know.

The Must-Know List

Keep the Engine Cool: Since it's the cooling system's job to protect the engine from overheating, you want to make sure to carry out proper cooling system maintenance. Additives in coolant work to protect the radiator and internal engine components from heat-related corrosion.
Minimize Battery Vibration: Winter is not the only season that can harm your battery. While you can't do much about the heat, you can ensure that your car battery is securely mounted; too much battery vibration can be just as harmful as extreme temperatures. You'll also want to clean away any corrosion that you spot around the battery. In short: minimize the possibility of damage.
Refill Fluids as Needed: While fluids are often considered necessary for lubrication purposes, they keep the engine cool as well. Check your fluid levels--motor oil, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and transmission fluid--to ensure that they are adequately filled.
Maintain Optimal Tire Inflation: An under-inflated tire is more likely to overheat, which will increase the probability of a blowout. Fill the tire to the pressure suggested in your owner's manual.
Ensure Air Conditioning Works: You need to be comfortable while you drive; uncomfortable drivers are more likely to be in accidents. Thus, make sure your vehicle's air conditioning is working. You wouldn't want to be stuck in traffic on a 90-degree day without air conditioning.
Always Be Prepared: Keep an emergency kit in the trunk. You'll want to have water, non-perishable food items, jumper cables, road flares, a first aid kit, and a flashlight with extra batteries. This way, no matter how many preventative actions you have taken, you're always ready for the worst.

If you're not a DIY kind of guy or gal--and aren't looking to refill all your fluids, tighten your battery, perform cooling system maintenance, etc--you may want to visit our team of experts. At Apple Ford Lincoln, we'll be happy to keep your car healthy throughout the summer.

Feel free to schedule service with our Ford dealer near Ellicott City. We'd be glad to lend a hand. You can also contact our Ford service department at (866) 695-6642. We are ready and willing to answer any questions you may have.