Car Care Tips During the Heat Wave

As always, we at Pumpkin Fine Cars and Exotics want to make sure our friends and customers stay updated on car performance and car care related issues.  One such issue that we are sure is at the top of the list for most of you is how to prevent car problems during sweltering hot days such as those we are currently experiencing.  Based on our research there are a few key issues to be aware of in relation to extraordinary heat.  The first and most important is keeping your cooling system functioning properly to avoid overheating your engine.  The cooling system removes heat from the engine and automatic transmission and dissipates the heat to the air outside.  The water pump circulates coolant through the engine.  As the coolant absorbs the heat, it is then carried into the radiator where the heat is dissipated. Finally the thermostat regulates engine temperature to keep it consistent for efficient engine operation. 

As we all know, an overheated engine can cause multiple problems that can cost a lot of money to have fixed.  Check your coolant levels each fall and spring and make sure that if you have used water to to fill your radiator, flush it out and use coolant.  Coolant contains additives that prevent corrosion of parts and hoses.  This is the single most important step in keep your engine cool during these hot summer months.  Some signs to look for that may indicate problems with the cooling system are leaks, frequently having to add fluids, and a sweet smell under the hood.  If you suspect you have a problem with your car's cooling system you should take it to your local mechanic and have it checked out immediately.  Problems like that do not correct themselves and preventative maintenance can save you thousands of dollars in repairs down the road. 
A few other less critical issues to be aware of include air conditioner problems.  No one wants to have their air conditioner break down during the hottest months of the year.  Make sure you leave you air conditioner set to circulate as opposed to only air intake.  With air only blowing into the car it forces the system to work extra hard to cool the hot air coming in.  Also, keep an eye on your car battery.  Most technicians agree that extreme heat is much worse for the durability and life of a car battery than extreme cold.  Finally, a simple step such as buying a sun visor for your windshield, or if you are lucky enough to own a Pumpkin Fine Car that has a power sun shield, can make the interior temperature of your car bearable and increase the life of the interior and plastics.  Basically, the single most important thing we can recommend is to keep up with the regular service and maintenance on your car and most likely you will not have to deal with any of these issues because your mechanic should be able to stay a step or two ahead of a major problem regardless of the weather.  At Pumpkin Fine Cars, owner Franck Freon goes to great lengths to check out and service each car that he handpicks for our inventory to make sure that the A/C blows ice cold and that there are no mechanical issues with the car, especially with the cooling system.  That is all part of our rigorous Pumpkin Certification Process. 

For more information on caring for you car in extreme weather please visit the national Car Care Council at http://www.carcare.org/ .  As always, we invite you to visit our unique indoor showroom and take one or a few of our Pristine Pumpkin Cars out for a free, no hassle test drive.  We are available over the phone at 609-646-7676 and via email at [email protected].  Please become a Fan of Franck Freon and Pumpkin Cars of Facebook, follow PumpkinCars on Twitter, watch us on YouTube and if you like what you are reading, subscribe to our blog!