Summer Car Care Tips in the Philippines

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In the Philippines, where temperatures often rise above 38.8°C, the intense heat can affect your car, causing damage to its interior, tires, and even engine. It’s important to take steps to protect your car from the heat, especially during the summer months.

Whether you're driving around Metro Manila or heading to the provinces, the heat can take a toll on your car's performance and comfort. But don't worry – with a few simple maintenance tips, you can keep your car cool and safe throughout the hot months.

In this guide, we'll share practical tips on how to heat-proof your car, ensuring its durability, comfort, and efficiency, no matter how high the temperature rises outside.

1. Regularly Check and Maintain Your Air Conditioning System

Your car’s air conditioning system is a lifesaver. Without it, long drives can become unbearable, and moisture can build up inside the cabin, leading to unpleasant smells and even mold. A properly functioning AC ensures that you stay cool, comfortable, and safe.

What to Do

Visit a mechanic and make sure to ask the following:

• Check for Leaks: Ask your mechanic to inspect the AC system for refrigerant leaks, which can reduce cooling efficiency and make your car feel warmer than it should.
• Cabin Air Filter: Ensure the cabin air filter is clean and ask the mechanic to replace it if necessary, as a dirty filter can affect airflow and AC performance.
• Recirculation Mode: Make sure the recirculation mode on your AC is working properly, preventing hot outside air from entering the cabin.
• Pre-Summer AC Check: Request an inspection before the hottest months to ensure your AC is running at peak performance.

Pro Tip: Consider adding UV window tints to help reduce the strain on your AC system and keep your car cooler.

2. Protect Your Car's Interior with Sunshades and Seat Covers

Sunlight can cause serious damage to your car’s interior, including fading and cracking of the upholstery and dashboard. Over time, the heat can even affect the plastic and rubber components inside your car, making them brittle and prone to breaking.

What to Do

• Use Sunshades: Sunshades help block direct sunlight from hitting your dashboard and seats, reducing interior temperatures. This also prevents your car from turning into an oven when parked under the sun.
• Invest in Seat Covers: Protect your seats from the heat by using UV-resistant seat covers. These covers are easy to clean and prevent fabric or leather from cracking or fading.
  
• Get a Steering Wheel Cover: The steering wheel can become extremely hot in the sun. A soft cover will make it more comfortable to grip and prevent damage to the wheel.

3. Regularly Check Fluid Levels

The heat can cause your car’s engine and other systems to work harder, increasing the risk of overheating. Keeping your car’s fluids topped up ensures smooth operation and prevents breakdowns.

What to Do

• Engine Coolant: Coolant, also known as antifreeze, helps regulate your engine’s temperature and prevent it from overheating. It’s different from refrigerant, which is used in your car’s air conditioning system. Check that your coolant level is adequate, especially during hot weather. If your temperature gauge is rising or the engine starts to overheat, a coolant top-up might be needed.
• Transmission Fluid: Heat can break down transmission fluid, affecting performance. Check that it’s clean and at the right level. Difficulty shifting gears, slipping gears, or unusual sounds when shifting can indicate low fluid.
• Brake Fluid: Hot weather can make brake fluid more sensitive. Keep it clean and topped up for safe braking. If you notice a soft or spongy brake pedal, delayed braking, or a warning light, it may be time to check the fluid.

4. Park Smart and Keep Your Car Covered

Parking your car in direct sunlight can cause the interior to heat up quickly, resulting in discomfort and potential damage to the seats and dashboard. Prolonged exposure to the sun can even fade your car’s paint.

What to Do

• Park in the Shade: Whenever possible, park under a tree or in shaded areas to reduce direct sun exposure.
• Use a Car Cover: If you need to park outside, a car cover provides an extra layer of protection against the sun’s harmful rays.
• Avoid Heat Sources: Parking near other cars or sources of heat can cause your car to heat up faster. Look for cooler spots whenever you can.

5. Keep Your Tires in Good Condition

Hot weather can cause tires to wear out faster. In the heat, tires become more vulnerable to damage from the road, increasing the risk of blowouts or reduced traction.

What to Do

• Check Tire Pressure: In hot weather, tires can expand. Make sure your tire pressure is within the recommended range.
• Inspect Tire Treads: Worn-out tires are more likely to lose traction on hot, dry roads. Regularly check the tread depth and replace tires that are too worn.
• Rotate Tires Regularly: Rotating your tires ensures even wear and helps maintain traction, especially during long drives.

6. Maintain Your Battery

The intense heat can cause your battery to wear out faster. In hot weather, the fluid inside the battery evaporates more quickly, leading to corrosion and potential failure.

What to Do

• Have Your Battery Inspected: Visit a mechanic to check for any corrosion around the battery terminals and have them cleaned to prevent damage.
• Check Battery Performance: If your car is slow to start or if you notice dim headlights, ask your mechanic to check your battery’s charge. It could be time for a replacement.
• Ensure Proper Ventilation: Ask your mechanic to confirm that your battery is properly ventilated to help prevent overheating.

7. Keep the Exterior Clean and Protected

Excessive sun exposure can damage your car’s paint, making it look faded and worn. Dust, dirt, and grime also accumulate more quickly, leading to surface damage if not cleaned regularly.

What to Do

• Wash Regularly: Clean your car often to remove dirt and grime that can trap heat and cause damage to the paint.
• Apply Protective Wax: Waxing your car protects the paint from UV damage and keeps it shiny and smooth.
• Consider Ceramic Coating: For extra protection, ceramic coatings help protect the paint from the sun and rain, ensuring it stays looking fresh.

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The Philippine heat can be tough on your car, but with the right care and maintenance, you can protect your vehicle from the damage that comes with intense sun and high temperatures. By regularly checking your air conditioning, maintaining fluid levels, using sunshades and seat covers, and keeping your tires and battery in good condition, you’ll ensure that your car stays cool, comfortable, and functional even in the hottest weather.

With these easy tips, you can heat-proof your car and drive confidently through the Philippine summer.