Can your vehicle handle the heat?

Posted 11 November, 2019 Jeremy Rochow

You know it’s summer when you get in your car and you’re burnt by the scalding steering wheel and seatbelt buckle at the same time.   With the mercury rising and blistering temperatures on the horizon, you’ll want to make sure your car can handle the heat. From checking your coolant to covering up, here are a few things you can do to prepare your ride for our hottest season.  

1. Keep hydrated

It’s not just humans who need to keep their fluids topped up during the hotter months. You’ll want to regularly check your car’s coolant levels to make sure it doesn’t overheat.   Only check the coolant level when the engine’s cold, otherwise liquid could spurt out and burn you. To check your levels, look at the plastic flow bottle which will have both low and high line markings.  

The coolant should be filled to halfway between the 2 lines.

You can also check your coolant by unscrewing the radiator pressure cap – it should reach the top of the radiator neck.   If you do need to top up the system, only use the recommended coolant or water, and avoid mixing types as they can turn into a jelly-like substance and clog your cooling system.  

2. Stay cool

Nobody wants to drive around in an oven, so before we experience our first heatwave, it’s probably a good idea to test out your air con. If it isn’t working as well as it used to, take it to a certified technician and have it serviced. Have them replace the cabin air filter if it hasn’t been changed in 6 months.  

3. Seek shade

To avoid a cracked dashboard and warped interior plastics, you’ll want to protect your car from the harsh summer sun. While parking in the shade is ideal, it’s not always possible. Invest in a windscreen sun shade to help lower the internal temperature of your car and protect its interior.