8 Ways to Protect Your Car from the Summer Sun

When the summer sun hits, it can be brutal on your car. The heat can cause tires to wear down faster, batteries to drain, and paint to fade. But there are a few easy ways to keep your car looking and running great all summer.

1. Check Your Tires

The first thing you should do is check your tires to ensure they’re road worthy. Check the pressure in your tires at least once a month and watch for unusual tread wear. If they’re worn, it’s time to replace them with these tires from AmericanTrucks.

One of the simplest ways to protect your tire is to check your tire pressure with a tire gauge. To use one, remove the valve cap from your tire and press the gauge onto the valve stem. The gauge will give you a reading of the current air pressure in your tire.

Another option for checking tire pressure is to use a digital tire pressure gauge. These devices are more accurate than a traditional gauge. To use a digital tire pressure gauge, turn it on and place it against your tire’s valve stem. The gauge will give you an instant reading of the current air pressure in your tire.

2. Make Sure Your AC is Working Properly

There’s nothing worse than getting into a hot car after a long day in the sun. So before the summer heat hits, ensure your air conditioning is in good working order by getting a free checkup. Have it serviced by a professional if necessary and keep an eye on the coolant level in your system.

While your air conditioning may not be the most complex system in your vehicle, if one component becomes worn or weakened, it can put a quick stop to that steady stream of cool, fresh air. So often overlooked until that humid August afternoon when you turn the knob and get nothing in return, your A/C system is luckily one that’s simple to fix.

If you’ve even had the back of your legs stuck to a seat or suffered from unsightly sweat spots on your shirt, you know the time is now to upgrade – before it’s too late. Whether you need a new compressor, condenser, or evaporator, you’ll find your vehicle-specific solutions among the air conditioning system replacement parts at AmericanTrucks. Enjoy added savings with our 1-Year, Lower Price Guarantee.

3. Inspect Your Battery

The hot weather can also take a toll on your battery. Inspect it regularly and clean any corrosion off the terminals. If your battery is more than three years old, you should consider replacing it with a high-performance battery from AmericanTrucks.

For most vehicles, checking your battery is simple: Pop the hood and locate the battery. It should be close to the front of the engine compartment, on the driver’s side. Using a wrench or pliers, loosen the bolts that hold the battery. Carefully lift out the battery and set it on a flat surface. Inspect the battery for any signs of damage, such as cracks or leaks. If you see any damage, it’s time to replace the battery. Check the terminals to ensure they’re clean and corrosion-free. If they’re not, clean them with a wire brush or a solution of baking soda and water. Reinstall the battery, making sure the terminals are tight. Close the hood, and you’re done!

4. Check Your Vehicles Fluids

All the fluids in your car are vital, but they can all be affected by the heat. Check oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid levels, and top them off as necessary. In addition, if you notice your car is overheating, be sure to have it checked out by a professional.

5. Touch Up Your Car Paint

The sun can cause the paint on your car to fade, so it’s important to touch up any chips or scratches as soon as possible. You may also want to consider waxing your car regularly to protect the paint and keep it looking shiny and new.

6. Wash & Wax Your Car Often

In addition to touch-ups, you should wash and wax your car regularly to protect the paint. If you live in an area with a lot of pollen or dust, you may need to wash your car more often. Be sure to use a mild soap and avoid washing in direct sunlight, which can cause the paint to fade.

Real car junkies treat their rides with a reverence that goes beyond a standard wash and wax job. And, with auto detailing supplies from AmericanTrucks, you can reach the upper levels of divine cleanliness in a jiff. With automotive detailing supplies right within reach, you get to do it all—protect your paint job, clean your upholstery, keep your tires shining bright, and everything else in between.

And, when you need your ride looking like it was cleaned up by a real professional, auto detailing supplies like AmericanTrucks’s complete detailing kits are always the way to go. With auto detailing supplies from AmericanTrucks, you can meticulously pamper your prized auto and do it with some real class.

7. Check Coolant Levels to Keep Car Cool

As we mentioned, keeping an eye on your coolant levels during summer is essential. If you notice your car is overheating, be sure to have it checked out by a professional. But, in the meantime, if the coolant level in your vehicle is low, it’s essential to check it and top it up as soon as possible.

Here’s how to check the coolant level:

• Park your vehicle on a level surface and let it cool down for at least 30 minutes.
• Locate the coolant reservoir tank under the hood. It will usually be clearly labeled and easy to spot.
• Remove the cap from the reservoir tank and check the coolant level. If it’s low, add more until it reaches the full line.
• Put the cap back on tight, and you’re done!

8. Purchase Must-Have Interior Cover Accessories

You’ll want to invest in some quality seat covers and floor mats to keep your car’s interior looking great. This will protect your upholstery from dirt and stains and help keep your vehicle looking clean and new.

Sunshade: A sunshade is a must-have for any car owner during the summer months. Not only will it help keep your car cooler, but it will also help protect your dashboard and interior from the sun’s harmful rays.

Seat Covers: If you don’t have leather seats, consider using seat covers to protect your upholstery from the sun. Seat covers come in various materials and colors, so you’re sure to find one that fits your style.

Steering Wheel Covers: Steering wheel covers look fantastic and help an older steering wheel feel and look new. Steering wheel covers also keep your steering wheel cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Dashboard Cover: A dashboard cover is a must-have accessory for any car with a plastic dashboard. The dashboard is one of the most vulnerable parts of the vehicle to damage from the sun, so it’s essential to protect it. A dashboard cover helps keep the dash cool and prevents fading and cracking.

Floor Mats: Floor mats are a great way to protect your car’s carpet from the summer sun. They help keep the carpet clean and prevent fading and wear. Look for floor mats made from UV-resistant materials, so they don’t fade in the sun.

Following these simple tips, you can keep your car running and looking great all summer. So, get out there and enjoy the sunny weather!