Could The Florida Summer Heat Damage My Vehicle?
It’s no secret that summers get hot in the Sarasota, Florida region. On average, the high temperatures for June, July, and August, are between 88 and 90 degrees, with plenty of days that get above these temperatures throughout the months. Our vehicles live outdoors in this heat – have you ever wondered if this constant high-temperature exposure could be doing harm?
One of the best ways to avoid an accident in the Sarasota region is to keep your vehicle well maintained. While no motorist can predict what other drivers may do on the road, they can control how they drive and how their vehicle functions. A sudden breakdown, a blown tire, or other common vehicle damages can impact how well (and how safely) you can take to the road every day.
If you have your vehicle inspected in the spring, only to find it “making that noise again” or having low tire pressure in the summer, this could be a sign that the heat is doing its own sort of wear and tear. It’s always a good idea to have your vehicle maintained during the summer months so you’re not met with any unpleasant surprises potentially leading to an accident.
The Impact Of The Florida Sun On Your Vehicle
The summer heat can affect your vehicle in a few ways:
• Damage to your car’s battery – Sitting out in the Florida summer heat may take its toll on your vehicle’s battery. Certain chemical processes go on inside of a car battery in order for it to work properly, and extreme heat may disrupt these processes. This could lead to battery fluid evaporating more quickly than it should, which could leave you with a dead car battery. Your battery’s interior may even start to degrade which may lead to corrosion. Even if you believe that your car battery is new, exposure to extreme heat can shorten its lifespan.
• Potential tire damage – Extreme temperatures can affect your tire pressure, which can lead to greater wear and tear on your tires over time. Driving on underinflated tires without realizing the pressure is low can lead to a tire blowout, which puts a motorist at significant risk of causing an accident. Before driving on hot asphalt, it’s important to make sure tire pressure is within a safe range.
• Vehicle can fail to start – In an engine that is too hot, oil fails to circulate as well as it should, which makes it difficult for your vehicle to turn over and start. Maintaining your coolants in the vehicle is even more important during the hottest summer months in Sarasota and the surrounding regions.
• Your gasoline goes quicker – Gasoline is a hot commodity these days, and motorists all over Florida are trying to get as much as they can out of the money they’re spending at the pump. Gas tends to evaporate more quickly in a hot vehicle, so you could begin seeing your tanks going empty more quickly than they would during other points in the year.
What To Do About Summer Vehicle Maintenance
A well-maintained vehicle is a safe vehicle, so it’s always recommended to have some summer maintenance checks during the summer season. Check your battery at least once in the summer and replace if necessary. Have your oil freshly changed with a summer-ready oil to ensure your engine isn’t damaged due to oil thinning in the heat. Have your coolant levels checked to make sure you’re able to keep your engine safe and running smoothly.
Even when vehicles are maintained perfectly, that’s not a guarantee that an accident won’t occur. If you’ve been an auto accident in the Sarasota area at any point in the year, we’re here to help. Learn more about what we can do for you at JusticePays.com.
