Mike's Brake & Alignment Shop

Honest & Quality Service

Tag: hot weather

Car Care for Extreme Weather

As car owners, we often take for granted the reliable performance of our vehicles, regardless of the weather conditions. Yet, extreme weather—whether it’s scorching heat, cold, or torrential rain—can take a toll on your car if not properly cared for. In this blog post, we’ll talk about car maintenance and care required to ensure your vehicle’s longevity and performance even when Mother Nature is at its most extreme.

Surviving the Scorching Heat

When the sun beats down relentlessly, your car can feel like an oven on wheels. High temperatures can affect everything from your engine’s performance to the condition of your tires. To combat the summer heat, start by checking and topping up your vehicle’s coolant levels. Proper engine cooling is essential to prevent overheating. Additionally, consider window tinting to protect your interior from sun damage and reduce the heat inside your car. Don’t forget to inspect your tires’ pressure and tread depth, as hot pavement can accelerate tire wear.

Conquering the Freezing Cold

Winters can be equally brutal, especially on your car’s battery, fluids, and tires. Begin by testing your car’s battery to ensure it can handle the cold. Weak batteries are more likely to fail in freezing temperatures. Next, switch to cold weather oil to keep your engine lubricated in sub-zero conditions. Investing in winter tires is also a smart move for better traction on icy roads.

Related: Learn more about which is best for you – all-season tires or winter tires here.

Navigating Torrential Downpours

Heavy rain can present its own set of challenges for drivers. Adequate tire tread depth is crucial to prevent hydroplaning on wet roads, so ensure your tires are in good condition. Also, examine your wiper blades for wear and tear, as visibility is paramount during rainstorms. Maintain proper tire pressure to avoid blowouts, and make sure your brakes are in top working order to reduce stopping distances on slippery surfaces.

Related: Learn more about which brake pads are right for you here.

Conclusion

At Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop, we are here to help you keep your vehicle in top-notch condition throughout the year. Contact us at (817) 834-2725 or visit our website at mikesautospa.com to schedule an appointment or discuss your specific maintenance or repair concerns. Whether it’s brake repairs, wheel alignments, or general maintenance, our skilled technicians have the knowledge and expertise to handle it all.

How Hot and Humid Weather Affects Your Vehicle

Summer is officially upon us in the South and with that comes high temperatures and plenty of rain. Months of hot and humid weather can cause cars to need extra attention and care to perform their best during this time because hot environments increase wear and tear. Heat and humidity also put vehicles at a higher risk for overheating and increased likelihood of other heat-related issues. Follow along as we review some ways hot and wet weather can affect your ride and how to prevent any short or long term damage.

Interior

  • Engines sometimes overheat in hot weather because the warmer the air is, the more air your engine needs to pull to get the oxygen your engine requires to perform at its best.
  • Humidity has been known to affect car sensors and will sometimes trigger false alarms for check engine lights and other alert systems. Once the internal parts have dried, the indicators should shut back off and return to normal.

Exterior

  • Besides fogging up the windows, humidity won’t affect the exterior of your car. The sun on the other hand can cause great damage to your vehicles paint and upholstery. During summer always try to park your vehicle in shaded and covered areas whenever at all possible.
  • When temperatures soar it’s common to see an increased amount of liquid dripping from your undercarriage. Before phoning the mechanic check to see if it’s merely condensation from you’re A/C or exhaust as this is completely normal and no cause for worry.

Prevention

The best defense against the problems hot and humid weather can cause is routine car maintenance. The most important maintenance tasks to check off your list include

  • Checking the pressure in the tires and refilling them if necessary
  • Refilling the engine coolant
  • Changing the oil
  • Keeping your car equipped with jumper cables

Final Thoughts

Now that the scorching damp weather has arrived it’s crucial to provide your vehicle with the routine maintenance it needs before serious issues arise. Countless locals in the Fort Worth, TX community count on family owned and operated Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop for affordable and convenient oil changes, tire repairs, engine maintenance, and much more! Visit our website to read our story and view our wide array of services or call (817) 834-2725 for more information.