Your family car goes through a lot. From daily rides to school to long road trips, your children spend a lot of time in your vehicle. With all the things going on inside the car, you probably aren’t focusing on the outside, where the weather is hitting your vehicle.
Whether you’re juggling school drop-offs, work commutes, or weekend activities, your car needs to perform reliably in all conditions. Let’s explore how various weather patterns affect your vehicle and what you can do about it.
How Heat Affects Your Vehicle
Summers can get hot, and extreme heat can put stress on your vehicle’s systems. During the warmer months, your engine must work harder, and the cooling system must keep up.
Hot weather also accelerates battery fluid evaporation. Car batteries typically last three to five years, but extreme heat can significantly shorten this lifespan. Keep an eye on your car’s warning lights during the summer, since this weather can exacerbate existing problems you hadn’t noticed before.
Cold Weather Challenges
Winter brings its own set of automotive hurdles that busy moms must navigate. Cold temperatures thicken engine oil and make it harder for your car to start up. This strain can wear out your engine if you don’t allow proper warm-up time.
Battery capacity also drops dramatically in cold weather. A battery that performs well at 70 degrees Fahrenheit may lose 20 percent of its strength at 32 degrees and up to 50 percent at 0 degrees. For families relying on their vehicle for daily transportation, this can mean unexpected breakdowns during school runs or work commutes.
Cold weather can also damage your car’s appearance, with rock salt and snow leaving marks on the exterior. Before rough weather hits, perform seasonal car detailing to prevent damage from bad weather.
Rain and Your Family’s Safety
Wet conditions create an immediate concern that requires proactive attention to ensure your family’s safety. Rain reduces visibility and traction, and your windshield wipers become critical safety equipment. Worn wipers can leave streaks that impair vision when you need it most.
Standing water poses a risk of hydroplaning, especially if your tires are worn. If they can’t channel water through the grooves, then they can lose contact with the road and put you and your children in danger. Always drive cautiously in heavy rain, and pull over if you feel it is unsafe to continue on the road.
Protecting Your Investment Year-Round
Smart maintenance prevents weather-related problems before they leave you stranded. Each month, get your tires checked, and inspect the treads to see if they are ready for bad weather. Also, keep an emergency kit with jumper cables, a flashlight, basic tools, and weather-appropriate supplies in your car. This way, you’ll be ready for any emergency.
Understanding how the weather can impact your family’s car can help you prepare for any situation and keep your babies safe year-round. Protecting it from weather-related damage ensures reliable service when your family needs it most and allows you to drive safely in any condition.
Candid Mama
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