Hot temperatures are just around the corner. Is your car prepared for the sizzling summer heat? Without a doubt, overheating can cause serious damage to a vehicle. This is a particular danger in hot climates like that of Southern Arizona. However, residents of the Tucson, AZ, area may be able to avoid costly repairs to their BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, or other German car by having it checked out by a qualified mechanic to make sure it is ready to face the heat this summer.

It is absolutely essential to keep your car’s engine cool during hot weather. In addition to making sure your car’s oil is changed regularly, you also need to be concerned about the cooling system. Your car’s cooling system works to keep your engine at a constant 200 degrees Fahrenheit in order to protect it from corrosion, maintain proper oil viscosity, and provide efficient fuel combustion. However, during hot weather the temperature of your coolant could climb as high as 250 degrees, making your car overheat.

It is important to have your car’s radiator and hoses checked for leaks or cracks and to make sure that all of the connections are snug. The coolant reservoir should be half full. If you find it is low, you should add coolant to bring it up to the recommended level.

Sometimes a vehicle’s engine can overheat even if you have done the proper preventative maintenance. Be sure to keep an eye on the temperature gauge on your dashboard. If you notice that your engine is getting too hot, you can turn on the heat, which will pull hot air off the engine block. Then stop as soon as possible to allow your engine time to cool down. Never remove a radiator cap when the engine is hot, or even warm. Instead wait until the engine is cool.

Overheating can cause serious and permanent damage to your vehicle’s engine, so it should always be avoided. Furthermore, the full extent of engine damage may not become apparent right away. Sometimes the impact is not evident for weeks or even months after an engine overheats.

If you live in the Tucson, AZ, area and own a BMW, Mercedes Benz, Audi, Volkswagen, Porsche, or other German Automobile, bring it to European Auto Tech. Our highly-trained technicians can make sure your vehicle is ready to face the heat.