Beating the Heat: Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Car Cool and Protected

Summertime’s sweltering temperatures can take a major toll on your vehicle, making routine maintenance even more important. Read on to learn more, then stop by your local Mount Pleasant Volkswagen Service Center to ensure your vehicle is ready to tackle the season ahead! 

Understanding the Heat Threat

Here in the Lowcountry, it’s not uncommon for the summer forecast to feature temperatures nearing the triple digits. Soaring temperatures are not only dangerous to drivers but to their vehicles as well.

How Excessive Heat Can Damage Your Car’s Interior and Exterior

According to testing performed at the State Farm^® Vehicle Research Facility, temperatures inside a vehicle can climb over 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperature readings of interior surfaces in the direct sunlight exceeded a whopping 195 degrees!

Our trained technicians have provided a few tips for maintaining the interior of your Volkswagen car in the heat. Check them out!

• Park in the shade when possible.
  By avoiding the sun’s direct rays, you’ll help prevent your dashboard and seat upholstery from drying out or cracking. You may also want to crack the windows to reduce interior temperatures.
• Use windshield sunscreen.
  These reflect the sun’s rays back, helping to keep the cabin cooler. Plus, they fold up and can be stowed easily.
• Wipe your dash with a microfiber cloth.
  Because dust and debris can scratch your interior, be sure to wipe down your dash and other interior surfaces often. Also, consider using a low-gloss detailing fluid to offer extra protection for your Volkswagen in the heat.
• Install seat covers.
  Covers preserve both fabric and leather seats, and can also keep them cool – a big benefit when sitting down in a hot car!
• Condition leather seating.
  Regularly apply a leather conditioner to keep leather upholstery from tearing or cracking.

In addition to protecting your car’s interior, it’s crucial to preserve the exterior finish – as well as what’s under the hood. Here’s what our VW maintenance experts recommend:

• Wash and dry your vehicle often.
  Because the sun’s blistering rays can fade and crack the paint job, it’s a good idea to wash and hand dry your Volkswagen often. This removes any dirt, dust, and grime that can cause tiny scratches and dull your car’s shine over time. 
• Wax your car.
  A layer of wax between your car’s finish and the sun’s damaging UV rays goes a long way in protecting it. Intervals vary, but as a general rule, it’s best to wax your car on a regular basis as part of your preventative VW car maintenance.

Maintenance Tips to Beat the Heat

Just a little preparation can ensure you cruise through summer with confidence. Be sure to schedule Volkswagen car maintenance before the heat arrives in full force – right here at your trusted Volkswagen car dealership in Mount Pleasant!

Extreme heat can put a strain on your vehicle, potentially causing the following issues: 

• Thinning oil
  When it gets hot, your engine’s oil will thin and no longer function as efficiently. 
• Tire wear
  Tires will deteriorate at a much faster rate and need to be replaced more frequently.
• Engine damage
  The cooling system is forced to work overtime during the summer, and if not properly maintained, the vehicle’s internal components may begin to deteriorate. This may lead to engine overheating and require costly repairs. 

To prevent these problems and keep your Volkswagen running smoothly, perform the following:

• Test your brakes.
  To make sure your brakes are in optimal condition, listen carefully for any strange noises and check their responsiveness. Or just schedule a brake check at your local Volkswagen Service Center!
• Check tire pressure.
  Although tire pressure fluctuates less during the summer months, it’s still a good idea to keep an eye on your tires’ pressure – especially before towing or heading out on a road trip.
• Rotate your tires.
  Tire rotations are recommended every 5,000 miles to prevent uneven wear and promote longevity.
• Inspect the AC system.
  Test your car’s air conditioning to make sure it is working properly. While a malfunctioning system is certainly an inconvenience, it can also be indicative of a more serious issue – so be sure to schedule Volkswagen repair service in Mount Pleasant right away.
• Schedule a full-service oil change.
  Motor oil breaks down over time, reducing its ability to lubricate the engine’s many components. That’s why regular oil changes are key! We recommend investing in full synthetic oil to optimize engine performance.