Climate change represents one of the leading environmental threats we are facing, causing overwhelming changes in the distribution of weather patterns in the world.
As early as the third week of this month, our country has been experiencing temperature spikes due to climate change together with the onset of El Niño. Evidence of dried crops, sharp decline of water levels of dams, warm nights, and the blistering heat are signals of an early summer season this year.
This means, people with deeper pockets are aiming towards a formidable excursion for the year’s traditional family getaway, or the budget conscious pinoy will opt to plainly cool off to their favorite malls. Whichever journey, preparing oneself is crucial for a worry free holiday to your sought after destination. Now, let’s not leave out on the thing taking us to those places which needs our utmost attention during this season; the car.
The essentials.
Have a service checkup to your trusted shop/mechanic for a quick tune up and other things that needs further attention.
Summer heat increases pressure in tires, so test the pressure to the nearest gas station before you embark on a tour. Check the spare as well. Speaking of spare tire, I advise bringing along a full-size spare instead of the new space-saver or “donut” type because these tires can only be used for limited distances and you cannot speed up due to its size.
The least expensive you can do is checking and topping the car’s fluids (oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering, water.)
Summer takes a toll on the car’s cooling system. Imagine, sun beating on the hood then heat from the engine inside surely is a bad recipe, so check for signs of corrosion or leaks on the radiator, do a radiator flush if rust and sediments are present. Duct tape is very handy to seal of leaks on hoses temporarily so grab one and stow it in the glove compartment. When hoses and belts fail so is the cooling system; have it checked
Check the air-conditioning system. If it takes long to stabilize air temperature inside your car, have it checked if Freon, R-134a, needs to be charged or probably there’s a leak somewhere in the system.
Avoid installing leather seats if you don’t want your buns scorched every time you enter the car on a hot sunny day.
After pulling over to the garage, pop up the hood overnight to let heat dissipate out of the engine efficiently. This will not just prolong your engine’s lifespan but also, preventing paint cracks and fading to the hood.
Summer heat can ruin an aging car battery and cause a lot of corrosion to its terminals. A mix of baking soda and water together with a toothbrush will do the trick.
Things to have in a car on a hot summer
Who doesn’t shove an extra gallon of water in a country like ours? Most of us do. In case your car’s temperature rises abruptly, you’ll be glad having one while stuck on a remote area. Bring some drinking water as well.
Dark, heavily tinted windows will protect you from the harmful rays of the sun and helps the air conditioner to cool off the car in no time, but we have laws regarding the level of tint we must install on our cars unless you’re a VIP. If you sport a clear tint, might as well purchase some sunshades for the windshield and place them when you leave your car parked under the sun. This will prevent your dash, steering wheel and upholstery from premature deterioration.
First aid / Emergency Kit. Sunscreen, bandages, paper towels, meds like Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, alcohol, Betadine, Flashlight, jumper cables, tools, etc.
|
