Summer in Pequannock Township brings beautiful weather and plenty of outdoor activities, but it also brings scorching temperatures that can be tough on your vehicle. With New Jersey summers regularly reaching the high 80s and 90s, your car faces unique challenges that require attention and care. The extreme heat can damage various parts of your car, from your engine to your interior. Here's how to protect your vehicle during the hottest months of the year. Check Your Cooling System Before the Heat Hits Your car's cooling system works overtime during summer months. The radiator, coolant, and hoses all play crucial roles in keeping your engine at the right temperature. Start with a coolant inspection. Check the coolant level when your engine is cool. The fluid should be clear and free of debris. If it looks rusty or has particles floating in it, it's time for a flush. Examine your hoses and belts. Heat makes rubber components crack and deteriorate faster. Look for signs of wear like cracks, bulges, or soft spots. A failed hose during a summer traffic jam on Route 23 can leave you stranded. Test your radiator cap. A faulty cap can cause your cooling system to lose pressure and overheat. If you're not comfortable checking these components yourself, have them inspected by a professional. Maintain Your Air Conditioning System Nothing beats a working AC during a humid New Jersey summer. Your air conditioning system needs regular maintenance to perform at its best when temperatures soar. Replace your cabin air filter. A clogged filter makes your AC work harder and reduces air quality inside your car. Change it every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or once a year. Check refrigerant levels. Low refrigerant can damage your AC compressor and leave you sweating during your commute through Wayne or Lincoln Park. Professional AC service can identify leaks and recharge your system properly. Clean your condenser. The condenser sits in front of your radiator and can get clogged with bugs, leaves, and debris. A clean condenser helps your AC run more efficiently. Protect Your Battery from Heat Damage Many people think cold weather is hardest on car batteries, but extreme heat is actually more damaging. High temperatures can cause battery fluid to evaporate and internal components to corrode. Keep your battery clean. Dirt and corrosion create resistance that makes your battery work harder. Clean the terminals with a wire brush and apply protective spray. Check the battery case. Look for cracks, bulges, or other damage. Heat can cause batteries to swell and crack, leading to dangerous acid leaks. Test your battery's charge. Hot weather can reveal a battery that's already weakening. Have it tested before you're stuck in a parking lot at the Pequannock Township Community Center. Take Care of Your Tires Hot asphalt and high temperatures put extra stress on your tires. Proper tire maintenance becomes even more important during summer months. Monitor tire pressure weekly. Heat causes air to expand, which can lead to overinflation. Conversely, underinflated tires generate more heat and are more likely to fail. Check pressure when tires are cool, preferably in the morning. Inspect tread depth and condition. Worn tires are more likely to blow out in hot weather. Look for uneven wear patterns, cracks, or bulges. The penny test can help you check tread depth quickly. Consider your driving habits. Avoid sudden stops and starts when possible. Aggressive driving generates more heat in your tires and increases wear. Keep Your Interior Protected The inside of your car can reach dangerous temperatures during summer. Protect both your comfort and your car's value with these simple steps. Use window shades or tinting. Blocking UV rays keeps your interior cooler and prevents cracking and fading of dashboard and seat materials. Park in shade whenever possible. Even a few degrees cooler can make a big difference for your car's interior and mechanical components. Crack your windows slightly. This allows hot air to escape and reduces the temperature inside your parked car. Just make sure your vehicle remains secure. Regular Oil Changes Are Even More Important Hot weather makes your engine oil work harder. Heat breaks down oil faster, reducing its ability to lubricate and protect your engine. Stick to your oil change schedule. Don't push it during summer months. Fresh oil handles heat better and protects your engine from damage. Consider your oil type. If you do a lot of stop-and-go driving around Pequannock Township or frequently sit in traffic, synthetic oil might offer better protection in extreme heat. Don't Wait Until Problems Start The best time to prepare for summer heat is before the temperature climbs. Regular maintenance and proactive care can prevent breakdowns and expensive repairs. Pay attention to warning signs like unusual engine noises, strange smells, or dashboard warning lights. These can indicate problems that heat will make worse. Keep Your Car Running Cool All Summer Long Summer heat doesn't have to mean car trouble. With proper preparation and maintenance, your vehicle can handle whatever New Jersey weather throws at it. Need help keeping your car summer-ready? The experienced technicians at Bock Automotive have been serving Pequannock Township drivers since 1996. From AC repairs to cooling system maintenance, we'll make sure your car stays cool and reliable all season long. Call us at (973) 320-7520 or stop by our facility at 1 Irving St to schedule your summer service today. Don't let the heat catch you unprepared – let us help you protect your investment and stay comfortable on the road.