5 Beach Car Care Tips
It’s like a sauna out there and “beach season” is in full swing. I’m sure your car has seen its fair share of wet towels, leaky sunscreen bottles, and maybe even a little sand. It seems even Mother Nature is in cahoots with taking a couple of PTO days and relaxing by the nearest body of water. Summer is just winding up, and we’ve got some hot summer car care tips to help you beat the heat.
First things first, stop leaving the wet towels in the trunk. They smell, and they’re not good for the upholstery. Plus the added moisture can cause mold to grow on rubber seals around the trunk. When the summer heat turns your car into an oven it best to keep it clean to avoid starting any science experiments in the car.
Stock up on sunscreen and car wax. Your car’s exterior can be damaged by sun exposure, just like your skin. Put on your sunscreen every time you go out in the sun. Give your car some UV protection once a week to prevent fading and the clear coat from peeling as your car ages.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated. The risk of dehydration increases when you’re swimming because you don’t feel as hot, but you are still losing fluids. The same goes for your car; car fluids are at risk of evaporation on hot days too. After a heat wave, be sure to check your fluid levels in your car to keep them topped off. Your coolant is more than just a part of the cabin air conditioner; it feeds your radiator which keeps your engine from overheating and leaving you stranded.
Stay Cool. When it’s a scorcher, try to remain in the shade or in the air conditioning. If you have to go out, try to park in the shade to keep your car cooler and help decrease the rate of evaporation of your car’s fluids. On a 100 degree day, the interior of your car can reach temperatures of 130 degrees and higher. If you have to park in the sun, crack the windows and blast the air conditioner for a minute before you get in. Heat can also zap your car battery and the older the battery, the greater the risk.
Skip driving on the beach. Sure, it’s easier to set up a spot for the day, but the risk of damaging your car isn’t worth it. You know how uncomfortable sand is in your swim bottoms, your car has the same issue with sand getting into the undercarriage and working its way into engine components. However, It is much easier to shower yourself, than it is to flush your engine or replace worn parts from sand abrasion. If you’ve already gone on the beach, take your car for a good wash and spend some extra time on the undercarriage.
It’s Summertime, and the living is easy, so go soak up some rays (safely of course), and take some down time to relax and enjoy life. Grab your sunglasses and before you head out, let us know which beach spot is your favorite on Facebook this week.