It’s that time of the year when intense summer heat and hot blowing winds prove to be the ultimate test of our car’s ability to withstand extreme weather conditions. However, if you follow some easy steps, getting through the summer season is not that difficult. Here’s a look at how this can be done.
Aircon 101
This goes without saying that the air conditioning of a vehicle is the most important feature for everyone in summer. However, it should be noted that an air conditioning unit functions under heavy load as high summer temperatures work against it, which makes it quite service-intensive. As a tip, if a car is parked in the open, always allow the heat trapped inside to escape through the windows before switching on the air conditioning.
Cloth vs leather
Leather upholstery certainly looks more premium and is easier to maintain, compared to cloth upholstery. However, leather is well-known for heating up significantly. Thus, leather seats can become super-hot and cause a lot of discomfort during summers. A simple hack to tackle this issue is to use cloth or linen covers that can be simply placed on the seat squab before sitting. Not a bad way to avoid a baked back.
Ditching direct sunlight
Availability of covered parking spots mostly remains limited and therefore, you need a way to ensure that direct sun rays don’t heat your car’s interior every time you leave it parked in the open. The best way to do this is by using sunshades or sun visors. A cost-effective solution, sunshades or reflective mats can be purchased for use on windows, windshields & the back glass. They can be used both while driving or when the car is parked.
Cover it up!
Many of us have a habit of covering up our cars, especially when there’s a lot of dust nearby. However, depending on the budget, one can also purchase a heat-resistant body cover that provides all basic protection and also protects the car’s exterior & interior from extreme heat. A body cover can be conveniently stored in the car’s boot and is not too difficult to put on. Do make sure that you choose a reputed cover manufacturer for the best results.
The heat should remain outside
How to make sure there is no heat trapped inside the car while it is parked? This can be done by leaving the car windows open just a few millimetres, to let the heat escape. To maximise the effect, you can also ‘fan’ your car’s door before getting in and setting off. This helps in expelling hot air inside the car and stabilising the temperature. It’s also best to drive the car with the air conditioning on and windows open for a few seconds for quicker cabin cooling.
Heat & rubber are not friends
As most of the hoses, pipes and belts in a vehicle are made of rubber, they are subject to increased wear & tear when used in high temperatures. As rubber ages, it keeps getting harder and since the engine bay always remains at a very high temperature, it’s only a matter of time before ageing rubber components give away and rupture. Thus, summers can wreak havoc if these parts are not regularly maintained.
