Photo by Car Trapped
It’s about that time to put on the sunscreen and bring out the shades! Summer’s coming and we can all start to feel the heat and humidity that we all know and experience every year. Summer is usually the time when we’re out and about, using our cars to adventure or taking the family out to the nearest amusement park. But, what does this mean for the cars we own? If you own a car, especially an older car, high-usage and high temperatures can actually age our cars faster or even cause them to break down. The last thing you want is to pay for the repairs or stress out about your car this summer. That’s why, here at Orange Buys Cars, we’ve listed the top 6 ways to take care of your used car and get ready for the summer heat!
1. Check Your Engine Coolant & Oil Levels
Photo by Tobias Sing
An increase in temperature also means an increased risk of your engine overheating. If you don’t have the appropriate levels of coolant, you could easily overheat your engine and cause major problems down the road. Since most people tend to use their cars more in the summer, you want to make sure to change your engine oil following manufacturer recommendations. Oil is the lifeblood of your car and as we increase our driving this summer, it’s crucial to check the engine oil. Especially if you’re looking to sell your used car this summer or even in the near future, you’ll need to make sure your car is completely taken care of.
2. Check Your Hoses and Belt
Photo by Brett Northrop
It’s crucial to keep your engine cool while driving around this summer. Checking your hoses and belts are one of the first things you want to ensure are in order. Coolant hoses help pump coolant to and from the engine block. One crack or a loose connection on your hose and you can easily overheat your engine. Belts keep the fans running which help push clean air into your engine. Find yourself with a snapped belt and your engine may overheat. Coolant hoses and fan belts are easy to check, but an overheated engine is a pain to fix. Get your hoses and belts checked as soon as possible!
3. Keep Your Car Battery Clean
Photo by Rich Moffitt
The heat of summer actually speeds up the chemical reaction in our car battery. This causes overcharging, corrosion, and can dramatically shorten battery lifespan. The best way to keep your used car running this summer is to safely detach your cables and clean your battery terminals. Replace your car battery or get a quick battery inspection before you go on your summer adventures.
4. Inspect Your Tires
Photo by Nicholas Jackson
Make sure to check your tire pressures. Tires are the most overlooked yet crucial parts of our cars. However, they’re also one of the easiest to maintain. If we don’t take the time to take care of them, you might find yourself on the side of the road. The extreme heat from the hot roads can cause more strain on your vehicle with underinflated tires. On the other hand, overinflated tires are prone to hydroplane in the rainy and humid Orlando, FL weather. Don’t forget to check your spare tire, as well. Stop to check your tires before they stop you!
5. Protect Your Interior – Use a Sunshade or Park in the Shade
Photo by Bill Abbott
Long exposures of heat and UV rays from the sun can seriously damage your car’s interior and even fade it, which will decrease the value of your car. Make sure to keep a trusty sun shade in your vehicle so you can easily protect your interior before you step out of the car. With that said, be sure to remove any batteries, things that can spoil, water bottles, and anything else susceptible to heat that can potentially ruin your interior! Reflecting the heat away from your interior will also help you keep cool when you get back in your car.
6. Maintain Your Car’s AC
Photo by Karolina Grabowska
No one wants to drive around in the summer heat without air conditioning. If there’s any time you’ll need your car’s AC more than ever, it would be in the summer. Summerize your car by getting your car’s AC system checked for any leaks and low refrigerant levels. Not only will you be able to stay cool, but you can also make sure your interior is exposed to cooler temperatures. Don’t forget the sunscreen while you drive! Beat the heat and get your car checked this summer! Your passengers or potential car buyers will be thanking you for it. If you’re interested in seeing how much your car is worth in Orlando, Florida, fill out our quick form. We can estimate your car’s value online for you and even buy your car when you’re ready! Visit or contact us to see how much your used car is worth, or to even sell us your car today! We proudly serve the Orange County, Winter Park, Kissimmee, Altamonte Springs, Windermere, and Sanford areas!
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