Note When Maintaining Hot Season Cars

As temperatures rise in the summer, car maintenance becomes more urgent than ever. Hot climate not only affects human health but also has a strong impact on vehicle performance and longevity. Parts such as the engine, cooling system, tires, battery and air conditioner are all under great pressure under the influence of high temperatures.

To ensure the vehicle operates safely and efficiently, vehicle owners need to perform appropriate maintenance measures such as checking and changing lubricant oil, adding coolant, checking tire pressure, maintaining the battery and cleaning the vehicle. create an air conditioning system. Besides, shielding the car from direct sunlight also plays an important role in protecting the interior and heat-sensitive components.

Below are detailed instructions on how to care for and maintain cars in hot weather conditions.

Maintenance of air conditioning system

The air conditioning system is the second most worked part, only after the engine during the hot season. According to data from the American Automobile Association (AAA), using air conditioning can increase fuel consumption by up to 20%.

Air conditioner maintenance process:

• Clean the water tank and heater
• Check and add gas (if necessary)
• Clean or replace the air conditioner filter

Note: Experts recommend maintaining the air conditioning system every 6 months.

Tips for using air conditioner effectively:

• Parking under the shade
• Open all car doors before getting in the car
• Start the air conditioner at a moderate level, avoid setting it to the lowest temperature and highest fan speed

Check the tires

High temperatures can significantly reduce tire life. According to research by the National Institute of Rubber and Plastics Technology, road surface temperature can be up to 50°C higher than air temperature, causing serious effects on tires.

Points to check:

• Tire tread
• Tire groove
• Tire sidewall
• Valve foot

Warning: Driving with an under-inflated tire at high speed in hot weather can lead to a tire blowout, causing a serious accident.

Car interior care and protection

UV and infrared rays can seriously damage vehicle interiors. Research from the University of Arizona shows that the temperature in a car parked in the sun can reach 70°C in just 1 hour.

Protection measures:

• Use windshield and window visors
• Park in the shade or in a covered garage
• Apply high quality heat insulation film

Note: Choose a heat-insulating film that can block at least 99% of UV rays and 50% of infrared rays.

Take care of the brakes

High temperatures can significantly affect braking performance. According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 25% of accidents are related to brake failure.

Signs that the brakes need to be checked:

• Have to apply the brakes deeper than usual
• Braking distance is longer
• There is an unusual noise when braking

Brake system maintenance:

• Check brake pad wear
• Check and change brake fluid (if necessary)
• Check the brake fluid pipe system

Check and change engine oil

High temperatures cause engine oil to age faster. Research from the American Petroleum Institute (API) shows that for every 10°C increase, the rate of engine oil oxidation doubles.

Recommended oil change schedule:

• Regular car: 5,000 – 7,500 km
• Vehicles using synthetic oil: 10,000 - 15,000 km

Note: In hot conditions, you should shorten the oil change cycle by 15-20%.

Check cooling water

Coolant plays an important role in maintaining a stable engine temperature. According to data from the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), 40% of engine failures are related to cooling system problems.

Testing procedure:

• Check the coolant level
• Check the pH of the cooling water (should be maintained at 8.5-10.5)
• Check pipes and water tanks

Recommendation: Change coolant every 30,000 km or 2 years, whichever comes first.

Check battery

High temperatures increase the speed of chemical reactions in the battery, leading to a reduction in battery life by up to 60% compared to normal conditions.

Steps to check the battery:

• Check battery voltage (should remain at 12.4-12.7V when engine is off)
• Check the electrolyte solution level (for liquid batteries)
• Clean the battery terminals

Note: Batteries usually have a lifespan of 3-5 years, but in hot conditions, you should consider replacing them every 2-3 years.

Clean the car regularly

Cleaning your car not only helps keep it clean and beautiful, but also protects the paint surface from the harmful effects of UV rays and chemicals on the road.

Vehicle cleaning process:

• Wash the car with clean water
• Use specialized car wash solution
• Dry the car with a microfiber towel
• Polish and apply protective wax (every 2-3 months)

Recommendation: Wash your car at least 1-2 times a month, increase the frequency if your car is often parked outdoors.

Fire prevention

According to statistics from the Vietnam Fire Prevention and Fighting Department, each year there are about 300-400 car fires, many of which occur during the hot season.

Prevention measures:

• Do not leave gas-containing devices in the car (lighters, aerosol cans, etc.)
• Check the fuel system periodically
• Check additional electrical equipment
• Equip yourself with a fire extinguisher and place it in an easily accessible location

Note: Choose an ABC type fire extinguisher, weighing at least 1 kg.

Car maintenance during the hot season requires special attention to many different parts of the car. By following the above instructions, you will not only prolong the life of your vehicle, but also ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones. Remember, the cost of routine maintenance is always much lower than the cost of major repairs due to skipped maintenance.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. Why is car maintenance more important in the hot season than in other seasons?

High temperatures during the hot season have a strong impact on many parts of the vehicle. According to research by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), a 10°C increase in ambient temperature can reduce the life of engine oil by up to 50% and increase the risk of battery failure by 33%. Proper maintenance helps the vehicle operate stably, save fuel and prolong the life of parts. Read the article now: Car care in the hot season – 5 misconceptions you should definitely avoid.

2. How to optimize the performance of the air conditioning system during the hot season?

In addition to regular maintenance, air conditioning performance can be optimized by:

• Use air circulation mode when the outdoor temperature is too high
• Turn on the air conditioner at 24-26°C instead of the coldest level
• Avoid turning on the air conditioner right after starting the car
• Use a windshield sunshade when parking outdoors

These measures can help save up to 10% of fuel according to estimates by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

3. Is it necessary to change tires more often during the hot season?

It is not necessary to change tires more often, but it is necessary to inspect them more thoroughly. High temperatures increase air pressure in the tire, which can lead to uneven tire wear. According to the American Tire and Rim Association (TRA), road surface temperatures can be up to 60°C higher than air temperatures. Check tire pressure every 2 weeks and adjust according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

4. How to protect the car interior from the harmful effects of UV rays?

To protect the interior, you can:

• Apply high quality heat-insulating film, eliminating up to 99% of UV rays
• Use reflective windshield visors
• Cover the steering wheel and seats with UV-resistant material
• Use specialized interior protection spray every 2-3 months

These measures can help extend the life of furniture up to 5 years according to research by the Institute of Polymer Technology and Applied Chemistry. See now Tips to protect car interior during the hot season Most effective and simple, shared by many drivers.

5. How often should the brake system be inspected and maintained during the hot season?

During the hot season, the brake system should be checked every 5,000 km or 3 months, whichever comes first. Pay attention to signs such as:

• Squealing sound when braking
• Vibrations when braking
• The brake pedal is "mushy"

According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), 22% of accidents involving brake failure occur during the summer.

6. Is it necessary to change engine oil earlier in the hot season?

Yes, oil change intervals should be shortened by about 15-20% during the hot season. For example, if you normally change oil every 10,000 km, during the hot season you should change it at 8,000-8,500 km. Using engine oil with a higher viscosity index (such as 5W-30 instead of 5W-20) also helps protect the engine better in high temperature conditions.

7. How to check and maintain the cooling system effectively?

Inspection procedure Cooling system should include:

• Check coolant level (when engine is cold)
• Check the pH of the coolant (should be maintained at 8.5-10.5)
• Check pipes and water tank for leaks
• Check the cooling fan and fan belt

Coolant should be changed every 30,000 km or 2 years, whichever comes first. Using high-quality coolant can help increase cooling efficiency by up to 20% according to research by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).

8. Why are batteries more susceptible to damage during the hot season and how to protect them?

High temperatures increase the speed of chemical reactions in the battery, leading to a reduction in battery life by up to 60% compared to normal conditions. To protect the battery:

• Check battery voltage periodically (should be maintained at 12.4-12.7V when the engine is off)
• Clean battery terminals to avoid corrosion
• Make sure the battery is securely fixed
• Use battery insulation if the vehicle is frequently parked outdoors

What is the appropriate frequency of car cleaning during the hot season?

9. Is it necessary to apply heat-insulating film to the car during the hot season?

Applying heat-insulating film is an effective measure to protect the interior and reduce the temperature in the car. You should choose a heat-insulating film that has the ability to:

• Blocks at least 99% of UV rays
• Blocks 50-70% of infrared rays
• Reduces overall heat by 30-50%.

According to research from the Institute of Solar Energy Technology, applying high-quality heat-insulating film can reduce the temperature in the car by up to 8°C compared to not applying it. See the article now: Benefits of applying heat insulation film on cars shared in the most detail on the website.

10. How to protect car paint from the harmful effects of heat?

To protect the paint layer:

• Wash your car regularly to remove dirt and chemicals on the surface
• Polish the car every 3-6 months
• Apply a protective layer of wax every 2-3 months
• Use specialized ceramic coating products (can protect the paint layer for up to 2-3 years)
• Park in the shade or covered garage

These measures can help extend the life of the paint layer by up to 5-7 years according to experts in the auto industry.

11. Is it necessary to change the air filter more often during the hot season?

During the hot season, the amount of dust in the air is often higher, so you should check the air filter more often. If you normally change the air filter every 15,000-20,000 km, during the hot season you should check it every 10,000 km and replace if necessary. A clean air filter helps:

• Increase engine performance
• Reduce fuel consumption (can save 2-6% fuel)
• Reduce harmful emissions

12. How to protect rubber and plastic parts on the car during the hot season?

To protect rubber and plastic parts:

• Use specialized rubber maintenance solution for door gaskets and wiper rubber
• Apply plastic protector to exterior plastic parts
• Avoid using silicone-containing polishing products on rubber parts
• Park in the shade or use a car cover when parking outdoors

According to research from the Automotive Plastics Association, proper maintenance can extend the life of rubber and plastic parts by up to 30%.