Summer is here in full swing, which means Arizonans are enduring 110+ degree heat waves and are trying to stay indoors as much as possible. But what about your car? Whether you park out on the street, under a carport, or in a garage, your car will still be subject to the extreme heat. That being said, parking in the shade or in a covered location is alway better for your vehicle! However, the heat can still lead to dead car batteries, while parking in the sun can lead to sun damage and more.
How to Tell if Your Car Battery is Dying
Sometimes, a dead battery is a sudden occurrence, while other times there are key signs to watch out for.
The most common symptom of a dying battery is when your engine cranks slowly. This happens because an engine pulls amperage from the battery each time it starts. If your battery doesn’t have enough juice to immediately kick your engine to life, then your car’s battery is probably on its last leg. You’ll want to bring your vehicle into a repair shop as soon as possible to get it replaced so you’re not stranded anywhere.
Another sign is dim headlights. If you think your headlights aren’t as bright as they once were, it’s probably not your eyes playing tricks on you. Because your headlights are powered by your battery, their charge of the battery directly correlates to the brightness of your headlights. Therefore dim lights mean low battery charge.
If your car still requires a key in the ignition to turn it on, then you have another thing to watch out for. When you’re turning the key, listen for a clicking sound. When you turn your key in the ignition, your car battery sends a current to the starter solenoid to get things going. A dying car battery will have difficulty performing doing this and the electrical current sent to the starter will be weaker. That’s what causes the noise!
The tell-tale sign is if you haven’t gotten you a new battery in 3-5 years. Chances are, your battery degraded naturally and is ready to be replaced.
Sun Damage and Exposure to Weather
The sun is detrimental to your vehicle, inside and out. If you can’t keep your car in the shade, you should invest in items to protect the interior of it, including sun shades or covers.
The dashboard of your car at the most risk due to the windshield intensifying the heat. If you leave anything plastic on the dashboard, there is a chance it could melt. The intense exposure can cause fading overtime, as well as splits and cracks. While it likely won’t impact the functionality of your car, it will decrease the visual appeal.
Your car seats are always at risk for fading. If they’re leather, the natural oils will dry out, thus leading to stiff material and cracks. The sun can also bleach cloth and vinyl over time as well.
Protecting Your Car From the Rain and Debris
The weather can be unpredictable and parking outdoors always comes with hazards, such as animal droppings, nests, trees, and road debris kicked up from other drivers.. Moisture is always detrimental to a car’s health and is it extremely important to dry up any excessive water as soon as possible.
If rain gets in your car, if you accidentally left the windows open or top down, it can cause issues. Pooling liquid can cause stains, unpleasant smells, and can promote the growth of mold and mildew, as well as affect the integrity of whatever it is resting on.
Wind is also a factor. Small gusts of wind can propel twigs and rocks toward your vehicle, which can cause damage.
Order a Custom Tonneau Cover
VIP European Auto Interiors recently created a custom black canvas tonneau cover for a 2005 Morgan. The Morgan is a 2005 Roadster, which is identical to its 1965 predecessor except for new Ford modern V6 mechanicals.
The black canvas contrasts with the Morgan’s stark yellow color, but the yellow stitching and simple design keeps the cover from overshadowing the beauty of the vehicle.
A custom car cover should do just that — highlight the vehicle’s unique design without compromising on protection. This tonneau cover is one of many built by the VIP European Auto Interiors Technicians. If you’re interested in a stylish and protective option for your vehicle, give them a call today to set up your free estimate.
Convertible Top Repairs
The summer is the perfect time to enjoy your convertible. Drive with the wind in your hair and just have fun. But before you do, always make sure your convertible top is in working condition.
The telltale sign for both soft and hardtop convertibles (assuming it’s not a detachable top), is if the top doesn’t open or close at all. This means the mechanism isn’t getting power or malfunctioned. This can be caused by the pump, motor, or a weak cylinder, which are the most likely mechanisms to fail.
If you’re in need of a convertible top repair, contact VIP today for a free estimate.
