The country’s high heat index continues to cause discomfort to people across the Philippines. Along with the dangers of succumbing to heat-related illnesses, car owners need to take special care to keep their cars in peak condition. Some of the most common car problems in summer include broken air conditioning systems, drained batteries, engines overheating, and tire blowouts, to name a few.
To address this, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has been sharing a series of practical tips for car owners to beat the heat as the country continues to experience extremely hot weather due to the warm and dry season.
In their ongoing “Beat the Init Kapag may Road Trip” infographic series shared on social media platforms, the traffic authority issued best practices on parking, such as seeking shade, along with other safety reminders for car owners on how to best care for their vehicles given the scorching heat. Here are a few car care tips for summer that MMDA has shared so far.
OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT WANT TO READ:
How can cyclists beat the heat during hot weather rides?
Why you should avoid staying inside a hot car this summer
1) Park in the shade
MMDA reminded drivers to park their cars in shaded areas or any place with cooler temperatures as much as possible. For those who can’t avoid parking under the sun, they advised drivers to place sunshades inside the vehicle to shield the dashboard and protect the car’s interiors and other items from the harsh sunlight.
Other automotive sites also stressed the importance of not parking under the direct sun during summer, as it can impact the health and performance of a vehicle. This is especially true for cars left out parked in direct sunlight for several days as the extreme heat can cause battery fluid to evaporate causing car battery problems.
Constant exposure to the harsh sun can also affect a vehicle’s paint fade and patina, while the direct sunlight can also wear down the car’s dashboard, steering wheel, and leather upholstery if you don’t use a sun visor. Plus, the extreme heat can also cause a slowdown in the car’s air conditioning system and circulation once you get back inside.
Parking in an enclosed garage parking or somewhere with shade can minimize the natural wear and tear that comes with leaving a car outside to the mercy of the sun. In the long run, it can help protect a car’s battery, prevent damaging tires, and keep the engine from overheating.
2) Check the car’s cooling system
The traffic authority advised drivers to check if their car's cooling system (radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan, fan belts) is in good working condition and is leak-free. They advised car owners to monitor their car's temperature gauge and lights to make sure it's not overheating.
In case of overheating, they recommended replacing parts immediately. They also advised changing the coolant depending on the set interval so as not to damage the car's cooling system.
3) Use the proper coolant
According to MMDA, car owners should avoid using pure water or distilled water, as this can leave rust on a car’s cooling system. Instead, drivers should use a premixed solution of distilled water and coolant. To know if the coolant is being used poorly, simply open the radiator cap or fill it and see if it is dirty or muddy in color.
They also advised car owners to check if the refrigerant is refilled frequently because there may be a leak in the air conditioning system.
4) Maintain the car’s air-conditioning system regularly
Just like maintaining a car’s cooling system, it is also necessary to check if your car's air-conditioning system is in good working order. They reminded drivers to follow the scheduled cleaning intervals of their air-con to prevent damage to the compressor and evaporator.
MMDA advised car owners to check if the refrigerant is refilled frequently because there may be a leak in the air conditioning system due to extreme heat.
5) Use a modern car tint
A car’s tint can go a long way in keeping the interior of one’s car cool. According to the MMDA, one of the modern car tints made of nano-ceramic makes it safe to use even when driving at night.
6) Check the tire pressure of your car
The traffic authority reminded drivers to ensure that the tire pressure of their car was in the right condition. Due to the sizzling hot temperatures which can affect the road, some tires tend to swell causing the air pressure inside it to increase. If overinflated, tires have less impact on the road which can lead to hydroplaning. This can cause in a loss of traction and the inability to steer the car.
7) Don’t leave these items inside parked cars
Aside from MMDA, other authorities also reminded car owners to never leave flammable materials in their parked vehicles due to the high heat indices. Bureau of Fire of Protection (BFP) spokesperson Fire Supt. Annalee Carbajal-Atienza stressed that the following items should never be left in a parked vehicle as shared by GMA News Online:
- Bottled water – Sunlight passing through the bottle can be focused into a super hot beam similar to a magnifying lens that in turn can cause a fire.
- Flammable materials – Objects that can ignite easily and burn rapidly. These include aerosol cans, chemical cleaning agents, air fresheners, disinfecting alcohol, colognes and perfumes. Candles, matches and lighters are also potential fire starters.
- Electronics – High temperatures may not only cause irreparable damage to certain electronic devices but in some cases, too much heat can turn these into fire hazards. As a precaution, don’t leave power banks, or gadgets with batteries such as mobile phones, cameras and tablets inside your parked car, especially if you’re leaving it outdoors for a long time.
- Pets – Your furry friends should never be left unattended inside vehicles according to the American Veterinary Association. Lack of ventilation or water during high temperatures may cause death.
- Medication – Exposing medication to high heat can shorten its shelf life and it may also alter its chemical composition.
Got any other car care tips to share for these hot summer months? Share them in the comments section below.
