International experts advise on driving in hot weather

One of the frustrating things about summer is getting into a car cabin and finding the steering wheel hot, the seat belts stiffening, and the air conditioner blowing stuffy air until the cooling system kicks in.

Extreme temperatures not only make driving more uncomfortable, but also accelerate wear and tear on your vehicle, putting it at greater risk of breakdown.

In Australia, driving in hot weather is unavoidable. RACV patrol manager Peter Smith said that by taking a few extra precautions, heat-related incidents and car damage could be avoided.

Heat can damage everything from your tires to your car battery. If you haven’t had a service appointment in a while, Smith suggests having everything checked out by a reputable dealer or garage before you hit the road.

“High temperatures can evaporate the vital fluids in your battery and weaken its charging capacity. Furthermore, the corrosion process will accelerate, damaging the internal structure of the battery,” he said.

This damage is even more obvious if the battery is dry; therefore, check the water level if necessary.

Hot weather can damage cars. Photo: Xinhua

The heat from the sun can also wear down your tires. “As temperatures rise, so does the air pressure in your tires,” Smith explains. Over-inflating tires can interfere with braking and cause your tires to wear out prematurely.

Under-inflated tires are also more likely to fail in hot weather because they are under more force, causing heat build-up.

Whether driving in hot weather or not, Smith recommends checking tire pressure before long drives because over- or under-inflated tires will not only wear out faster, but can also affect fuel efficiency and the car's handling.

“Don’t forget to check the tread depth. Every tire has a little line next to the TWI (tread wear indicator). If your tire is worn down to this point, it needs to be replaced. Also, remember that heat can not only change your tire pressure, it can also change the road surface you’re driving on, so try to avoid any potholes or cracks,” Smith says.

The advice is to park in the shade where possible. However, avoid parking under flowering trees as they can shed sap that can damage the paintwork. Parking in long grass can also pose a fire hazard.

In addition, do not place anything on the dashboard, because this place has extremely high temperatures, which can easily cause damage. Using a sunshade on the glass is also a solution that many people can think of to help reduce heat and make the temperature inside more comfortable when entering.

Check your coolant and oil levels weekly. “This will ensure your vehicle is always running optimally and reduce any potential engine stress.”