What Extreme Heat Does to Your Car

Heat accelerates corrosion inside a battery and shortens its life. The damage often shows up as a failure to start the following winter. Have older batteries tested before summer, and keep terminals clean.

Hot roads raise tyre temperature and pressure. Under-inflated tyres flex more, overheat, and are more likely to fail. Check pressures when tyres are cold, using the figures in your owner’s manual or on the door-jamb sticker.

Check the coolant level when the engine is cold (never open a hot radiator cap). Watch the temperature gauge, especially when towing or in slow traffic. Hoses that are cracked, swollen, or soft should be replaced.

UV light and heat fade paint and crack dashboards. A sunshade, tinted windows where legal, and regular waxing help. Never leave children, pets, or heat-sensitive items such as aerosols and electronics in a parked car.

If air conditioning blows warm or makes unusual noises, have it checked. A failing compressor can sometimes affect other components on the same drive belt.