New Delhi: Delhi and NCR have been sweltering in the summer, and by the looks of it, it will carry on for a while now. It is a task to enter the car in the scorching heat. The heat is obviously brutal for cars as well. Prolonged exposure to scorching heat can affect the vehicle’s engine, tyres, battery, paint and even the cabin interior. 

Even though modern cars can handle tough conditions, there are a few preventative steps that can ensure breakdowns and expensive repairs can be avoided. Here are five important steps that will ensure your car runs safely and smoothly through the heat wave.

Heat wave does put a lot of stress on the cooling system, and that is why it is necessary that you keep a close eye on the temperature gauge, particularly in slow-moving traffic. If the engine is observed to be overheating, then it is best to pull over the car safely and let it cool down before continuing to drive further. It is also advised that coolant levels should be checked regularly to prevent expensive engine issues.

Cabin temperatures can rise to extreme levels even with minimal exposure to the harsh sun. To manage the cabin environment, you can use windshield sunshades, crack the windows slightly for ventilation, and park in covered areas whenever it is feasible. This, in the long run, protects the leather seats, dashboards, touchscreens, and steering wheels.

It is no secret that constant heat exposure can dull the paint and weaken the battery. Make sure you wash your cars in order to remove dust and contaminants that intensify heat damage, while periodic waxing adds a protective layer against UV rays. For precaution, it is best to have your battery checked before long trips, as battery life deteriorates in high temperatures. 

Road surfaces are extremely hot, and that does increase tyre wear. It is pertinent to check if the tyres are overinflated or worn out. You can fill a tyre with nitrogen as it expands and contracts less than regular air during temperature fluctuations. Keeping windshield wipers lifted also helps, as rubbers tend to deteriorate and melt quickly. Wipers lifted can avoid them from sticking or cracking, or losing effectiveness.

Rapid acceleration, hard braking and high-speed driving increase engine and tyre temperatures. During heatwaves, it is best to reduce pressure on the engines, brakes and gearbox for best fuel efficiency results.