Six ways to protect your vehicle from the heat this summer

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – As temperatures hit the triple digits, people know it’s important to stay hydrated, keep cool and wear sunscreen. What they may not realize, however, is that heat and prolonged exposure to sunlight can do some serious damage to an automobile.

Mark Orsack of Milstead Automotive in Spring said, “The heat here in the Houston area can really take a toll on your car, both the interior and exterior.” For many, there is no covered parking available, but there are ways to protect your vehicle from the blazing sun. Orsack offers the following tips for drivers to beat the heat and keep their cars free of damage.


Protect the paint job – “This is the most noticeable way that heat and sunlight can damage your car,” Orsack said, “fading, cracked and peeling paint that has been exposed to constant, direct sunlight.” One way to prevent this is to park in the shade, in a garage or covered area. If that is not an option, Orsack recommends a car cover. Another way to protect the vehicle’s exterior is by washing and waxing. “The wax forms a barrier between your car’s paint and the elements,” Orsack said.

Stay current with transmission maintenance – “Your transmission is under increased stress during the summer,” Orsack said. “All the internal parts are subject to failure if they’re overworked or not properly maintained.” It’s important to be on top of transmission maintenance, including fluid and filter changes for every 30,000 miles.

Protect the interior – A vehicle’s upholstery, dashboard and plastic trim will dry out, fade and crack under high temperatures and blazing sunlight. “On a hot day, temperatures inside a parked car can exceed 120 degrees,” Orsack said. For the interiors Orsack again recommends a car cover, parking in shade and using a sun visor in the windshield. Also, tinted windows can provide some protection. “Keep the inside of your car clean and apply a low-gloss protectant or conditioner on the surfaces.”

Inspect tires – Everyone knows not to walk barefoot on hot pavement. Imagine the effect hotter road temperatures have on a vehicle’s tires. “Extreme heat increases stress on tread cracks, sidewall bubbles and bald spots on your tires,” Orsack said. “This could cause disintegration leading to a blow-out.” Orsack suggests having tires inspected during each oil change to check for proper inflation, tread depth and any signs of wear or damage.

Keep the battery clean – Orsack said, “A car’s battery can burn out quickly under hot weather conditions because the heat accelerates your battery’s chemical operation and causes the internal fluids to evaporate.” Keeping the car battery clean and free of corrosion is good periodic maintenance. Orsack recommends having the battery checked at regular intervals by a professional mechanic.

Check the belts, hoses and cooling system – Excessive heat can cause cracks in belts and hoses, leading to radiator failure and engine overheating. “You should get your hoses and belts checked regularly, and pay extra attention to the areas near connections and clamps.” Orsack also advises car owners to have the cooling system pressure tested for leaks, then flushed and filled regularly.

The professionals at Milstead Automotive, located at 29707 W. Hawthorne in Spring, are committed to providing exceptional service and customer care. Call Milstead Automotive at 281-367-3535 to schedule routine maintenance, or visit the link provided below.