Keep Your Car Cool This Summer

Keep Your Car Cool This Summer

The dog days of summer are here, and you’re likely feeling the heat in just about every way imaginable. One of the places you don’t want to feel like a pressure cooker is in your vehicle.

While you might not be using your vehicle as much this year, you’ll still want to make sure you have a comfortable ride when you do have to go out and about. No one enjoys getting into a scorching hot car. It’s miserable. Here are six summer tips for keeping you and your vehicle cool.

1. (Don’t) Feel the heat. Whether you’re going for a drive to get out of the house or headed out for an errand, a spare towel is a great way to keep your interior cool. Having a towel around to put on your leather seats and protect you from touching hot seat buckles makes getting situated more comfortable.
2. It’s getting hot in here. It’s important to remember you aren’t the only thing sweating when the temperature spikes — your engine is, too. To help your car run smoothly all summer long, it’s a good idea to check your oil and coolant levels. Remember to look up your nearest GM dealership's availability before braving the heat.
3. Kick the tires. When the temp goes up, your tire pressure can go down. The blazing summer heat can wreak havoc on your tires. Make sure your tires are properly inflated, and your tread is at a safe depth before driving off into the sunset.
4. Made in the shade. Sunshades aren’t just for styling by the pool. If you haven’t bought a sunshade for your windshield, no more excuses — get one. As a Texan, I know how much better 99 degrees feels than 105. It’s worth it. Not only does it help keep your car cooler, it also helps prevent against sun fading and damage to your steering wheel, dashboard and other exposed parts of your interior.
5. Cool in the summer. Don’t get hit by a heat wave when you open the doors. Many new GM models come equipped with advanced technology like the remote start feature that allows you to start the engine and blast the A/C, or roll down all powered windows, simply by using your key fob or vehicle mobile app.
6. Need help? Emergencies happen. If your car does overheat or you get stuck in a severe summer storm, having backup isn’t a bad idea. OnStar® offers Roadside Assistance, Crisis Assist and Emergency Services. If available on your vehicle, push the OnStar button in your vehicle to learn more or to get set up. Or if you’re on the go, you can access OnStar through the mobile app.

NOTE: Pets and kids can overheat very quickly. Remember to never leave them in a hot car.

Now you’re ready to beat the heat and keep your car maintained through the summer. What are some tips or tools you’ve used over the years to beat the heat? Drop us a line and let us know.

By Elizabeth Ygartua, GM Financial

GM Financial's Elizabeth Ygartua is an eighth-generation Texan who never knew she needed a truck until she drove the GMC Canyon.