Don't Sweat It! Get Our Top Tips for Driving in Hot Weather

August 5, 2021

Summer is all about having fun and exploring, and your Nissan is the perfect vehicle for these warm weather adventures! That said, the last thing you want on your scenic summer road trip is a tire blowout or other dangers of driving in the heat.

To avoid high temperature mishaps, there are a few steps to take when driving in scorching weather. Just like cold weather brings about car concerns, hot weather has its own list of upkeep recommendations. don't sweat these driving dilemmas ‐ were here to help!

Keep an Eye on Your Tires

Hot weather especially amps up this maintenance must-do. Tire pressure should be checked regularly year-round, but you'll want to make sure you're vigilant about it during the summer months. High temperatures are extra hard on tires, causing them to deflate faster than usual. For convenience sake, it may even be helpful to keep your own personal pressure gauge at home or in the glove compartment. Check your owners manual for the proper tire pressure level for your Nissan and re-inflate when needed.

Check the Battery

A couple of things can happen to your battery when hot summer weather hits. For one, the fluid in car batteries evaporates at a faster rate when exposed to extreme heat, which can deplete your batteries charge. In addition, consistent exposure to high temperatures can cause damage brought by both corrosion and jarring vibrations. If your battery fails you, it could leave you stranded on the side of the road.

Our suggestion? Make sure your battery is ready for summers worst by checking that its securely fastened in its tray and holding a full charge. Your nearest authorized Nissan service center can test your batteries charge level. If your Nissans battery is on its last leg, it also doesn't hurt to opt for a battery replacement that can stand up to the summer heat. And, above all else, keep jumper cables in your trunk just in case!

Look Out for A/C Issues

In the summertime, you can usually count on air conditioning to save the day. That is unless your air conditioning system has issues that need solving! Hot weather can be rough on your A/C. The higher the temperature gets, the harder it has to work to cool down your car.

If your A/C isn't blowing cold air consistently, the root cause can offer several different explanations. You may need to replace your refrigerant, fix your compressor, or clean your A/C lines. Minor issues like low refrigerant levels or clogged lines are easy fixes. However, issues with the compressor, wiring, or filters often call for replacements. When your A/C needs repair, count on genuine Nissan A/C parts for the best fit.

Protect Against Sun Exposure

Summertime is all about having fun in the sun, but sun exposure can be the culprit of some not-so-fun car issues.

Harsh sunlight eventually causes visible damage and rapid wear to your vehicles body, more so than other weather conditions. What's more, sun glare boldly reflects light off of windshields, thus hindering road visibility. This is especially dangerous if your windshield sports excessive scratches and cracks.

To stay on top of these sun issues, we recommend:

• Parking your car in a shady place or putting a sun shade in the dash when not driving.
• Storing your car in a garage if it'll be parked long-term.
• Making sure your windshield and windshield wipers are equipped to work as effectively as possible.
• Wash your car regularly and apply a coat of wax to help prevent sun damage to your paint.

Take it For a Tune-Up

Car tune-ups are never a bad idea, especially if you're gearing up for a season of sweltering temperatures and long road trips. Tune ups are a form of preventative maintenance that are usually done once a year, and right before summer is a perfect time to schedule yours. Every tune up is different depending on your vehicle and where you take it, but you can expect your mechanic to inspect your engine and clean, fix, or replace parts that need it.

Refresh Your Ride with Nissan Parts & Accessories

Taking out your favorite car in hot weather ultimately means paying extra attention. Use this summer as an opportunity to refresh your ride with new Nissan Parts & Accessories! Shop OEM parts online to enjoy fast delivery and a great fit. Nissan Parts & Accessories can help you beat the heat and the hurdles that it brings!