Chandigarh, 16 May. The heat of the sun is at its peak during May and June in North India. When the temperature increases in this season, it becomes very important to take care of vehicles. When a car is parked in the sun, the temperature inside it rises faster than outside, which can damage the dashboard and other plastic parts. Additionally, excessive heat also increases the risk of electrical short circuits and fire. Therefore, drivers should follow some important rules to increase the lifespan of their vehicle and make the journey safe.
Incidents of tire bursts are common during the summer season. Due to heat, air pressure increases, which leads to higher pressure in the tyres. To avoid this problem, summer tires should be underinflated by 2-3 pounds (PSI) and nitrogen should be used instead of normal air. Also, check the engine coolant level regularly, but be careful not to pour water directly into a hot engine, as this may cause the engine block to crack.
The temperature inside a car parked in harsh sunlight can reach 60 degrees Celsius within a few minutes. Things like gas lighters, deodorant sprays, hand sanitizers, power banks and smartphones left at this temperature can be dangerous. These things can explode in extreme heat, increasing the risk of car fire. Furthermore, plastic water bottles can also be harmful to health, as harmful chemicals from them can leach into the water due to heat.
Avoid turning on the AC at full speed as soon as you get into the car in summer, as this puts more pressure on the compressor. The correct way is to first let out the hot air by opening the car doors, then keep the windows down for a while and then turn on the AC. Summer weather can also shorten the life of a car’s battery, so keep cleaning the battery terminals and checking the engine oil regularly.