Summer Heat can affect your 2014 Toyota Corolla

Summer will be here before you know it, and when it arrives, you’ll be enjoying the sun. With summer road trips -and even just regular drive wear- you’ll want to make sure your car is ready to face the heat with you. The soaring temperatures of summer can affect both your 2014 Toyota Corolla’s appearance and its inner workings, so regular maintenance is a must. To ensure your car keeps running smoothly and looking great, follow these simple suggestions.

The sun takes its heaviest toll on the plastic parts of your car. Cracked and dried out dashboards not only look bad, but they decrease the value of your vehicle. Taking the time to apply a vinyl refresher and protectant periodically can drastically reduce the impact of the sun on your dashboard and internal surfaces.

Decreasing your car’s overall exposure to direct sunlight can also be helpful. Try parking in the shade whenever possible or investing in an inexpensive sun visor that can be placed in your windshield to deflect a majority of the sun’s harmful rays. To maintain the external beauty of your car, a program of regular waxing can minimize sun damage and keep your car looking like new.

In addition to the cosmetic ravages of the summer sun, mechanical systems also need special care during these warmer months. Regularly have your coolant system checked, both for your comfort and the proper maintenance of the vehicle. Maintaining the coolant system maintains proper functioning of the air conditioning and also makes sure that your engine stays cool during operation.

Tires can become overinflated during the summer months, when soaring temperatures cause the air inside them to expand. It is important to know your car’s recommended tire pressure and check it before the car is driven, when the tires are “cold.” Note, too, that it is possible for tires to melt, and although this is not a regular occurrence, it can happen under the right circumstances.

Whether you’re headed to the beach or headed to work this summer, be sure to maintain the good health of your car so that it can last you for years to come. Stop by Miller Toyota in Manassas, Virginia for more tips and advise on how to get your car summer ready or to test out the features of a new Toyota.