Toronto summers can be brutal as the scorching sun and sweltering temperatures can take a toll on both you and your car. Extreme heat can put extra strain on your vehicle’s engine, cooling system, and tires. Proper summer car care maintenance is essential to ensure your car runs smoothly, stays cool, and keeps you safe on the road.
The cooling system is your car’s defense against summer heat. Here’s how to keep it functioning optimally:
- Check Coolant Levels: Coolant is a mixture of antifreeze and water that circulates through your engine, absorbing heat and carrying it away to the radiator. Before the hot summer months arrive, ensure your coolant levels are at the proper fill point as specified in your owner’s manual. Using a 50/50 coolant-to-water mix is ideal, but consider using a higher coolant concentration during the summer months for an even higher boiling point, providing additional protection against overheating.
- Inspect the Radiator: The radiator is the heart of your cooling system. Visually inspect the radiator for any leaks, cracks, or debris lodged between the fins. Leaks can lead to coolant loss and overheating, while debris can obstruct airflow and reduce the radiator’s ability to cool the engine. Gently clean the radiator fins with a water hose to remove dust and dirt buildup, maximizing airflow and cooling efficiency.
- Test Your Air Conditioning: A functional air conditioning system is a must for keeping your car cool and maintaining passenger comfort during hot summer commutes. Before the summer heat sets in, have your air conditioning system checked by a qualified technician. This may include checking the refrigerant levels, testing the AC compressor, and ensuring the system is blowing cold air.
Hot weather can significantly impact your tires. Here’s what you need to know:
- Monitor Tire Pressure: As temperatures rise, so does
- the air pressure inside your tires. However, don’t rely on the “cold” tire pressure reading on the sidewall. Consult your owner’s manual for the recommended “hot” tire pressure in
- flation levels for summer driving. Properly inflated tires improve fuel efficiency, handling, and provide optimal traction on hot pavement. Regularly check your tire pressure, at least once a month and before any long summer road trips.
- Check Tread Depth: Hot weather and summer storms can put extra strain on your tires. Ensure your tires have adequate tread depth to maintain safe traction. The minimum legal tread depth in Canada is 2/32 inches (1.6 mm). However, for optimal performance and safety in hot and wet conditions, consider replacing tires that are nearing the wear bars or have less than 4/32 inches (3.2 mm) of tread depth remaining.
- Rotate Your Tires Regularly: Regular tire rotations help promote even wear across the tread surface, extending the lifespan of your tires and saving you money in the long run. Refer to your owner’s manual for the recommended tire rotation intervals and ensure your tires are rotated as part of your summer car care routine.
The sun’s intense UV rays can damage your car’s interior and exterior. Here are some tips to keep your car looking good and feeling cool:
- Wash and Wax Regularly: Regular car washes remove dirt, grime, and environmental contaminants that can dull your car’s paint and make it more susceptible to sun damage. Apply a high-quality automotive wax after washing to create a protective barrier against UV rays and oxidation, keeping your car looking shiny and new.
- Use Sunshades and Window Tinting: Parking in shaded areas whenever possible is ideal. However, when shade isn’t available, use windshield sunshades to reflect sunlight and reduce interior heat buildup. Consider window tinting for additional UV protection. Window tinting helps keep the interior cooler, protects the upholstery from sun damage, and can even help to improve fuel efficiency by reducing the need for air conditioning.
- Inspect Your Battery: High summer temperatures can accelerate battery fluid evaporation. Visually inspect your battery for any signs of corrosion around the terminals. Clean the terminals with a wire brush and baking soda solution to ensure a good connection. Loose or corroded battery terminals can lead to starting problems, especially during hot weather.
By following these essential car care tips and scheduling a summer maintenance check at Car Care Toronto, you can ensure your vehicle is prepared to handle Toronto’s hot summer weather.
