Can Extreme Heat Damage Your Car?

At Griegers Motors, your Michigan City Jeep dealer, our answer to this question is an emphatic yes, and here are a few ways to avoid the damage!

Interior

UV rays can discolor and crack your plastic dashboard and other interior elements of your car. Touch screens can also be damaged by overexposure to the sun’s rays.

Park your car in the garage or carport or use a sunscreen to protect the interior. Leave your windows cracked slightly to provide some ventilation.

Tires

Summer heat increases air pressure in your tires, and over-inflation causes the center treads to wear faster than the outer edges. Check your tire pressure regularly for proper inflation and pay close attention to tread wear.

Battery

The battery contains water and acid that provide power. Warm weather causes the water to evaporate, exposing the lead plates, and that can reduce the battery’s amperage. Running the AC on long summer trips also strains the battery. Make sure your mechanic tops off the water in the battery and tests it properly.

Coolant

The antifreeze in your engine serves as a coolant in the summer. Worn hoses or a damaged radiator can allow coolant to leak and cause your engine to overheat. Have your mechanic check your hoses and pay careful attention to your engine’s temperature gauge.

The suggestions should help protect your vehicle in the heat of summer. And when shopping for a new or pre-owned vehicle, come by Griegers Motors, your Michigan City Jeep dealer.

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