If you live in South Carolina, you know how long, hot, and humid the summers can be. And while the heat can cause discomfort for many drivers, it can also negatively impact your Volkswagen.
Whether you’re from Mount Pleasant, the greater Charleston area, or anywhere else in the state, Low Country Volkswagen is here to help you keep your Volkswagen running smoothly throughout the hottest South Carolina months.
From strategic parking to scheduling inspections, you can be proactive in preparing your car or SUV for high temperatures. Check out some of our top tips for protecting your Volkswagen from extreme southern heat below!
Park in the Shade or Use a Sunshade
One way you can keep the heat at bay is to park in the shade, whether that’s under a tree or in a parking garage. This is a simple way to limit sun exposure, while keeping the interior temperature down. Too much sun exposure can damage the exterior paint of your Volkswagen as well as its interior materials.
When you don’t have access to a shady spot, a windshield sunshade is a handy alternative, providing protection for the interior and helping cool the cabin down. A sunshade can also help protect you and your passengers from hot surfaces in the cabin.
Wash Your Volkswagen
Keeping your vehicle’s exterior clean not only maintains your vehicle’s appearance, but it also helps maintain the paint’s condition. When left too long on the surface of your vehicle, especially in the sun, contaminants like bird droppings, sap, bugs, dirt, and pollen can eventually cause paint damage. By washing your vehicle on a regular basis, you can help keep the paint protected. Add wax for even better results!
Check the Tire Pressure
Remember to keep an eye on your tire pressure throughout the hot season and adjust as needed, following Volkswagen recommendations. As the temperature rises, so does tire pressure. If your tires become overinflated, they may start wearing unevenly and will provide less traction. Overinflated tires may even result in a blowout — and that’s one of the last things you want to deal with on a hot day!
Inspect the Cooling System
Make sure your cooling system is up for the challenge of South Carolina heat. After all, the cooling system is designed to keep your engine from overheating, and hot weather causes the system to work even harder. Have the entire system inspected to ensure all components are working properly and that the coolant is at the correct level.
If your Volkswagen begins overheating, you should pull over and have the vehicle inspected as soon as possible.
Check Fluids
Your Volkswagen needs a variety of fluids to function properly. We’ve already mentioned coolant, but other crucial fluids include engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid. It's important to maintain the proper fluid levels for smooth performance, so having the fluids checked should be another priority. You can refer to your owner’s manual for proper fluid maintenance.
Inspect & Test the Battery
No one wants to be stranded in the middle of a heat wave. But that’s what can happen when your battery fails. Hot weather can do a number on your battery, negatively impacting its chemical processes and causing rapid evaporation of the battery fluid.
If you notice your vehicle’s lights are dimmer and it takes longer to start the engine, consider those your warning signs. Before your battery completely quits, bring your vehicle in for an inspection and test.
Schedule Summer Maintenance Before a Road Trip
An unexpected car issue can really put a damper on your travels, so before you hit the open road, make sure your Volkswagen is prepared for the journey. No matter where you’re headed, we recommend scheduling an inspection of the following items to ensure a successful road trip.
- Tire pressure and tread condition
- Battery health and connections
- Engine oil and other fluid levels
- Cooling system condition
- Belts and hoses
- Brake condition
- Air conditioning performance
- Air filter condition
- Windshield wipers and washer fluid
You don’t have to take care of all of these maintenance items on your own — let our technicians handle your Volkswagen’s maintenance needs this season. We’ll make sure your Volkswagen is ready for the road ahead!
Beat the Heat With Low Country Volkswagen
Living in Mount Pleasant and the Charleston area means your Volkswagen will likely encounter high heat, humidity, intense sun, heavy rain, and coastal conditions on a regular basis. The good news is that you can count on Low Country Volkswagen to help you protect your Volkswagen vehicle from the South Carolina elements.
Our technicians are committed to keep our customers’ Volkswagen vehicles in excellent shape year-round with regular maintenance, quality parts, and thorough repairs when needed. From changing your vehicle’s oil to helping you choose a new set of tires, we’ll keep your ride running smoothly through every season!
If you have any questions about your vehicle’s maintenance needs, feel free to contact the team at Low Country Volkswagen, or schedule an appointment online today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Volkswagen Care in Hot Weather
Does hot weather damage a Volkswagen?
It can. High temperatures can negatively impact components like the battery, tires, cooling system, exterior paint, and interior materials. However, with routine maintenance and limited sun exposure, you can help keep damage to your Volkswagen at bay.
How often should I check my Volkswagen's tire pressure in hot weather?
It's a good idea to check the tire pressure at least once a month. You’ll also want to check tire pressure before a long-distance road trip. Do this when the tires are cool, and be sure to refer to your owner’s manual for the recommended PSI.
Does heat affect car battery life?
Yes. High temperatures can cause your battery to break down faster — which means you may have to replace the battery sooner than expected. If your battery is several years old or you notice signs of a weak battery, such as dimmer headlights and slow starts, be sure to schedule a battery test and inspection so you don’t find yourself stranded in the heat.
How can I help keep my Volkswagen cooled down in the summer?
There are a variety of ways you can help keep your Volkswagen cooled down in the summer, such as parking in the shade, using a windshield sunshade, and ensuring the air conditioning is working properly. When you step into your vehicle on a hot day, try venting some of the trapped hot air before turning on the A/C.
Can summer heat cause a Volkswagen to overheat?
It can. Your Volkswagen relies on the cooling system to keep it from overheating, so if your cooling system isn’t in good condition, it may not be able to withstand the impact of high temperatures. Have your cooling system inspected to make sure everything is working properly.
How do I protect my Volkswagen's paint from the sun?
Whenever you can, park your Volkswagen in the shade to avoid harsh sun exposure. In addition, wash and wax your Volkswagen on a regular basis to keep exterior damage at bay.
Does humidity affect my car?
It can. South Carolina humidity has the potential to cause mold or mildew to grow inside the car. Humidity may also cause rusting of vehicle components. Keeping your vehicle clean and dry is one way to combat the humidity.
Should I get my Volkswagen serviced before a summer road trip?
Yes. It’s always a smart idea to have your Volkswagen inspected and serviced before you hit the road. When you schedule an appointment with our team here at Low Country Volkswagen, they’ll inspect your vehicle thoroughly and perform any services needed to ensure a successful road trip.
How often should I wash my Volkswagen during the summer?
Washing and waxing your Volkswagen on a regular basis can help prevent paint damage, so keep an eye on your vehicle’s exterior. If you notice that contaminants like bird droppings, sap, bugs, dirt, or pollen have accumulated, we recommend washing it as soon as possible.