Your car needs more care in the heat. How to maintain it in the summerSo far, summer in Ohio has been hot and humid. Intense summer heat makes your car work harder and can lead to breakdowns. It's important to keep your car well-maintained and take precautionary measures to avoid breakdowns. So, Ohio drivers, are you taking care of your cars?According to AAA, there is a higher demand for emergency roadside assistance due to increased car breakdowns during heat waves.Here are ways to avoid a breakdown and keep your car running this summer.AdvertisementAdvertisementMore: Community cooling centers open in Columbus as extreme heat wave hits1. Check your tire air pressureBesides keeping tires inflated, maintaining proper air pressure helps to regulate tire temperature. Underinflated tires can cause them to overheat, which can increase the likelihood of a blowout.Check your tires' air pressure in hot weather conditions and refer to the manufacturer's placard, located on the driver's side doorjamb, to determine the recommended air pressure.2. Help your car beat the heat by maintaining proper fluid levelsYour car's cooling system will work extra hard to make sure your vehicle doesn't overheat. Always check your vehicle's coolant levels and windshield wiper fluid.AdvertisementAdvertisementIt's also important to keep up with oil changes in hot weather. High temperatures can cause the oil in the engine to thin.If your car's air conditioning system seems to be faulty or you notice fluid leaking under your vehicle, have it checked by a professional.You can also check your car's coolant levels at home. Simply pop open your vehicle's hood and make sure the fluid in the coolant reservoir meets the "high" marker.3. Check your car's batteryThe next time you're at a mechanic, ask for a battery test and make sure it's mounted to the car correctly to avoid vibration-induced damage.Car batteries with full charges should have a voltage reading of 12.6 volts or higher. If your battery is low, change it before it dies.4. Check the cabin air filterThe cabin air filter helps clean the air you breathe inside your car. Pollen and other debris can increase in warmer months, so it's crucial to ensure the filter is clean. If your air conditioning system seems to be not working properly, have a technician inspect it.AdvertisementAdvertisementAvoid using your car's air recirculation feature, as this just recirculates hot air inside the car. Instead, use your air conditioner's fresh air setting.More: Splash pads and pools in the Columbus are: Where you can beat the heat5. Park your car in the shadeTry to find at least a semi-shaded area to park your car to keep its temperature down.You can also place a clean Styrofoam or cardboard cup over your gear shift while you're gone so it won't get as hot. Other ways to keep your car cool include tinting your windows or using a sun shield in the windshield.6. Keep emergency supplies in the carIt's good to have flashlights, road flares, nonperishable snacks, bottles of water and a blanket in your car in case of a breakdown.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: The summer heat can lead to car breakdowns. Here's how to avoid them
+28 others
