How to Care for Your Car During Extreme Hot Weather to Keep It in Top Condition

Extreme hot weather can affect almost all components of a car, from the engine, tires, to the cooling system. High temperatures can accelerate the evaporation of essential fluids such as oil and coolant, even triggering the risk of overheating if the cooling system does not work optimally.

As a result of exposure to extreme weather, cars become quickly fatigued, performance decreases, and fuel consumption increases. This condition not only reduces driving comfort but also shortens the overall lifespan of the vehicle. That is why it is important to perform car maintenance during extreme hot weather.

Car owners need to carry out maintenance, starting from maintaining the engine cooling system, checking tire pressure, to protecting the paint and interior from UV rays. Let’s look at some ways to care for your car during extreme hot weather.

1. Inspection and Maintenance of the Engine Cooling System

In extreme hot weather, the cooling system is the main savior of the engine. Components such as radiator, coolant, cooling fan, to the thermostat, all work together to keep the temperature within the range of 85–95°C.

Coolant plays an important role in transferring heat from the engine to the radiator. Use a fluid that has a high boiling point and anti-corrosive properties. Replace it every 20,000–40,000 km, or at least every two years. Do not be tempted to use plain water as the effects of scale and corrosion can damage the radiator faster than you think.

If the thermostat is damaged and fails to open the flow of coolant, the engine temperature will rise drastically. Similarly, a radiator fan that spins slowly or is completely off can cause overheating. Routine inspections every 5,000 km can be a lifesaver before serious damage occurs.

2. Check and Maintain Tire Pressure

One component of the car that is often forgotten during hot weather is the tires. In fact, high temperatures also affect the condition of car tires. The air pressure inside can safely increase along with the temperature. If the pressure is too high, the tires will overinflate and risk bursting on the road.

In addition to pressure, also pay attention to the physical condition of the tires. Small cracks due to heat are signs that the tires are starting to harden and lose grip. Tires that are too hard actually reduce grip on hot asphalt, making braking less optimal. To avoid this, avoid parking on open asphalt for too long.

3. Protect the Exterior and Paint of the Car

Exposure to UV rays can slowly damage the paint layer of the car body. If the car is left exposed to the sun for a long time, it can cause the paint color to fade, the surface to chalk, fine cracks to appear, and so on.

To prevent these adverse effects, use wax or a ceramic coating on your car body. Additionally, wash the car regularly to prevent dust and metal particles from sticking and accelerating oxidation. Avoid parking the car in direct sunlight, use a car cover, or park in a carport with anti-UV roofing.

4. Maintain the Interior and AC of the Car

When a car is left under the sun for half an hour, the cabin temperature can soar to 60°C. Not only does this make the cabin feel stuffy, but this condition can also accelerate the deterioration of your car's interior materials. To prevent this, use a dashboard protector to prevent the surface from cracking and leather conditioner to maintain the moisture of leather seats.

High temperatures also make the AC components work harder than in normal weather. In this condition, ensure that the cabin filter is clean so that air flows smoothly. A dirty filter can reduce efficiency by up to 20% and increase fuel consumption. Replace the filter every 10,000–15,000 km, or sooner if frequently driving in dusty areas.

5. Monitor the Battery and Car Fluids

Extreme heat is the biggest enemy of car batteries. Exposure to high temperatures can cause the electrolyte fluid inside to evaporate easily, reducing the capacity to store electricity. As a result, the car may have difficulty starting or even stall suddenly.

Therefore, it is advisable to check the battery fluid every two weeks regularly. For users of wet batteries, add water up to the maximum limit if it decreases. Meanwhile, for users of dry batteries, watch for signs such as a weak starter sound or dim dashboard lights.

The effects of extreme heat also impact the condition of engine oil. High heat makes the oil thinner and reduces its lubrication ability. If you frequently drive in hot temperatures, use oil with slightly higher viscosity (for example, 10W-40). Change the oil every 5,000–10,000 km, depending on the type of oil and usage conditions.

Tips for Parking Cars in Extreme Hot Weather

Parking in direct sunlight not only makes the cabin hot but also accelerates the damage to the interior and forces the AC to work twice as hard. Here are some tips for parking your car during extreme hot weather:

Use a sunshade to block heat from the windshield.
Install window film with 99% UV protection.
Open the windows slightly (1–2 cm) for natural ventilation, as long as security is maintained.
Use a reflective