How to Stay Cool on the Road This Summer

Summer time – when the sun is shining, the temperatures soar, and our troubles seem to melt away for a few months. While you can’t beat a day at the beach or dining al fresco, the summer sun can also have its downsides. Our main gripe relates to driving in the blazing sun. We all know the feeling of easing ourselves onto a scorching hot, black leather car seat that’s been sizzling in the sun for hours. But how else does hot weather impact our car? Let’s find out.

The sun poses many dangers to any vehicle. Firstly, their exposure means that tyres are susceptible to damage and blowout, especially if they are not inflated properly. Heat causes the rubber to slowly dry out, making them fragile and flimsy. Rising temperatures can also cause the water in your battery to evaporate, exposing the lead plate. Similarly, your coolant is at risk of drying out. Aesthetically, the sun can dry out and crack your paint job, leaving it looking faded and discoloured.

So, how do you keep your car nice and cool during the summer? Air conditioning of course. But like other aspects of your car, your AC needs to be maintained properly in order to work well. Here’s how to make sure your system is performing at its best to keep you and your passengers feeling chilled and comfortable during a heatwave.

1. Park your car in the shade

This may sound like a no-brainer, but its importance cannot be stressed enough. AC is no match for a car that’s been baking in the blistering sun for hours. Parking your car in a hidden area away from direct sunlight takes the pressure off your AC system, keeping you cool while keeping your car safe. Since car windows are transparent, invest in some shades to keep them covered so that your seats don’t sizzle.

2. Ventilate your car

Before turning on the aircon, try ventilating the cabin first. Open all of your doors to let some fresh air pass through while your car is running in idle. This releases the trapped hot air and circulates oxygen rich air in its place.

3. Use your AC on a regular basis

In order for your AC to function at its peak, it should be used regularly. This helps things run smoothly long term and reduces the risk of damage.

4. Check the refrigerant level

Refrigerant is an essential element of your car’s air conditioning system because from there, the cool air released from the vents is generated. Keep an eye on your refrigerant levels to ensure your AC can provide relief from the heat when you need it the most.

5. Get your car’s AC serviced regularly

To avoid any issues developing, ask your mechanic to check your AC during every service. If anything is spotted, it can be repaired there and then. This will reduce the chance of your system blowing out while you’re on the road – which would be a nightmare during the Aussie summer.

6. Replace the air filter regularly

If you notice your AC isn’t performing as well as it should, the filter may be blocked with dirt and dust. Your filter is there to remove debris from the air, but if it’s clogged, it will disrupt the airflow itself. Change your filter when needs be to prevent this from happening to your car.

Driving in summertime can be uncomfortable – but it doesn’t have to be. Follow our simple tips and tricks to keep your AC in tiptop shape all summer long, so you can stay cool and relaxed on every trip. All that’s left to do now is load up the car, round up the gang and drive towards the horizon.

Are you in the market for an upgrade this summer? If so, make sure to check out Motor Matcher. At Motor Matcher, everything we do is modelled around providing customers with the right tools and empowering them with rich information, helping them make sound decisions when buying and selling cars. We offer a faster, simpler way to compare new and used cars online, creating an ideal and safe marketplace for all car buyers and sellers.

Visit our website today at www.motormatcher.com.au