Whether you have a Bentley, Jaguar, Audi or some other luxury European vehicle, it’s summer time and you have to prepare it to handle the extreme heat that Dallas has to offer. That’s because rising temperatures can bring on some complications when trying to safely drive and maintain your vehicle.

You may know to take caution in heavy rains or ice, but you may be unaware that you should take extra caution when driving in extreme heat. This poses many risks and potential problems. Heed these tips this summer while you have fun driving around in your European vehicle.

Stay on Top of Regular Maintenance

One of the best ways to keep your vehicle running smoothly in hot weather is to engage in regular maintenance. It can be easy to forget about the basics, but they are extremely important — not only for the safety of your vehicle but for the longevity of it as well.

Test the AC

Before the dog days of summer really hit, make sure your AC system is working properly. If there are issues, get them fixed now. It’s better to address these issues now than get stuck driving in a hot car during your hour-long commute home from work!

All you have to do is just start your car and crank the AC to the highest it will go. Feel if air is coming out of the vents and how much. Is it cold air or warm air? If the latter is the case, your AC will need to be recharged. If your AC doesn’t turn on at all or you see leaks, take it to your trusted European vehicle mechanic.

Check the Tire Pressure

AAA advises you should keep the tire pressure at the appropriate level and make sure the tread is thick enough. Get your tires rotated every other oil change, and get regular oil and filter changes as directed. These tasks will help you extend your mileage, keep you and your passengers safe and prevent your tires from balding.

With the rise and fall of temperatures, your tire pressure can be impacted. For example, in hot weather, the air within tires expands. Likewise, in cold weather, the cold air causes tires to lose pressure. Thus, extreme temperatures result in wear and tear, poor vehicle performance, and an elevated risk of a blowout or flat. Even a 10°F difference can make your tire pressure be off by one pound per square inch (PSI).

Use a tire gauge to check your tire pressure or ask your mechanic to do it. They can fill your tires with more air if needed. To find out your tires’ recommended PSI, look for the sticker on the interior of the driver’s door.

Check Coolant Levels in the Radiator

Extreme temperatures may result in an overheated engine, which can damage your vehicle’s internal components. Hot engines are due to faulty coolant systems and not so much the engine itself. This is why it’s important to check the coolant levels of your radiator, particularly before that long road trip for vacation this summer.

Your mechanic can check this for you, as coolant testing can be dangerous in the event the engine is still hot.

Get Regular Oil Changes

Most new vehicles will need an oil change every 5,000 to 7,000 miles; if you have an older vehicle, you will have to do this more frequently. If you have a newer model, you can use synthetic or hybrid oils, which handle extreme temperatures very well. if you have an older model, you will have to use traditional oil.

Heat thickens oil, so when driving in extreme heat, go with a motor oil featuring a lower viscosity of 10w30 to 10w40, or choose a multi-viscosity blend.

Wax Your Car

Road trips and long commutes result in a lot of wear and tear on your vehicle’s exterior. Get it waxed periodically to restore its shine. Summer’s a great time to do this because it’s easier to apply wax in dry heat.

Include a Summer Emergency Kit

Create a summer emergency kit to leave in your vehicle. In the event you break down, these items will keep you cool and comfortable until you can get help or fix the issue. You’ll want to include a first aid kit, wrench, screwdriver, jumper cables, and a flat tire repair kit. Don’t forget water bottles, sunglasses, sunscreen and chargers.

Contact Hance’s European

If you need some summertime maintenance for your European vehicle, look no further than the mechanics at Hance’s European. You can schedule your appointment by ringing us at (214) 800-4571 or booking an appointment online.