Avoid tyre bursts and car fires during this scorching heatwave. Five key tips

It's summer time and heat waves raging on in different parts of the country/ The summer heat not only increases the discomfort for the people, but vehicles also face issues due to immense heat. Hence, it is imperative to be extra cautious about your vehicle and take proper care of it to ensure the car runs smoothly and all of its components function at optimum levels. During the scorching heat wave that India has been experiencing over the last few weeks, several car fire and tyre burst incidents have become common across the country.

1 Check and maintain essential fluid levels

Keeping the engine oil, brake oil and coolant to the optimum level is necessary to ensure the vehicle's critical components function properly in the long run. This is applicable not only during summer but in all weather conditions. However, in summer it is especially important to check the engine oil, and coolant levels periodically as the car's engine gets heated during its operation and these fluids make sure the heat remains under control, especially when the outside temperature is high and not following 

2 Ensure tyres are in good health

Proper tyre pressure makes sure the car runs well in any season because tyres lose or gain air pressure daily. The outside temperature significantly impacts the tyre's air pressure. In summer, air pressure in a tyre increases during summer due to the hot weather, in winter, the air pressure decreases. In summer, air pressure increases can lead to blowouts if the tyres are overinflated. Hence, avoid over-inflating the tyres as doing so doesn't help. Also, ensure the tyres are not underinflated, as that impacts fuel economy. Always refill the tyres with OEM recommended air pressure. Try to fill the tyres with nitrogen instead of regular air as N2 is less sensitive to heat compared to regular air. You can use a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) device to check the tyre air pressure.

3 Check and replace windshield wiping system

Windshield wipers come with rubber components, which develop wear and tear due to heat. This could leave spots on the windshield as well as reduce the functionality of the wipers. Hence, it is important to make sure to check the wiper blades periodically in summer and if you feel the rubber blades have developed wear and tears, replace them. Another key element of the windshield wiping system is the wiper fluid, which tends to vaporise despite the reservoir being sealed with a cap. Hence, check the wider fluid level and refill if necessary.

4 Take care of cabin air filter

During summer, the car's air filter works overtime as the air conditioning of a vehicle works overtime to reduce the heat inside the cabin. The air filter acts as an important component of the in-car air conditioning system as it prevents pollutants from entering the vents when the AC is turned on. If the air filter is now clean, then it could result in issues with the AC system, which could be expensive to repair. Hence, to avoid those unnecessary costs, it is important to take care of the cabin air filter. Cleaning of the air filter can be done at home only through a DIY method. If you see the air filter is very dirty, then it is recommended to replace it with a new one, which is not very costly. However, air filter costs vary from vehicle to vehicle.

5 Protect the interior

Extreme heat during summer can directly impact the leather, fabric and plastic parts used inside the cabin. The sunlight entering the cabin of a car heats up the car's interior. Prolonged exposure to plastic parts, leather seats, and upholstery can cause colour fading and cracks. Hence, try to reduce the heat inside the cabin by covering the dashboard with dashboard towels or covers, using sunlight shields etc.

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