DALLAS — Believe it or not, some people can actually take this Texas heat. You could debate with friends or family about these summer temps, but there's one thing we can all agree on: No one likes getting in a car on a hot day.
But this heat can do a lot more than just roast your car seats. A representative for AAA Texas says it could actually overwork your car, and the consequences could be immediate and long-term.
"A lot of people aren't aware the summer heat - extreme heat in Texas - can cause the battery, the liquids inside to evaporate and cause corrosion and shorten the life of your battery," says spokesperson Daniel Armbruster.
This extreme heat can affect your vehicle in plenty of ways:
- Tire pressure could become uneven and increase the chances of a blowout
- Fuel can be harder to circulate, making the car harder to start
- Belts and hoses under the hood could peel and crack under the heat
Here are some ways you can prevent any of those things from happening:
1. Car check-up
Under the hood, make sure your battery's tight and the cables are tightened to the battery terminal.
It's also good to look your tire pressure and coolant levels to keep your car in shape.
2. Clean out the corrosion
While your hood's up, you should also check and make sure there's no corrosion. If you see it, you'll want to remove that from your battery.
All you need is a damp cloth to get it off. Do not put any soap and water directly onto the battery.
3. Watch where you park
Parking can make a world of difference. The more you can avoid the sun, the less you'd have to worry about heat damage.
When you can, it's best that you bring your vehicle under shade or inside a garage.