Driving In Extreme Heat

When the temperature rises, treat your vehicle the same way you treat yourself – take some extra precautions to stay cool and in control to help avoid trouble.
 
Preparing your vehicle for hot-weather driving
The expert service technicians at your Ford or Lincoln Dealership are the best source for everything you need to get your vehicle ready for summer driving or a family road trip through the desert. Here’s what you can have them do:

Check engine coolant. If your coolant level is low or your coolant has lost its strength over time, you run a greater risk of overheating your engine.

Test the battery. Your battery may start harder in winter weather, but it may actually work more in hot temperatures. An inspection at your Ford or Lincoln Dealership will help reveal if your battery still has the power to perform reliably.

Change your oil and filter. This is always a must for your vehicle, and it’s especially important in hot conditions. Proper lubrication with the right grade of clean oil and a fresh oil filter helps your engine endure the stress of extreme heat.

You need your fluids. Brake fluid, power steering fluid and windshield washer fluid should all be topped off as a precautionary measure.

Inspect the air conditioner. If your climate control isn’t working properly, you and your passengers can get very uncomfortable. A dealership service technician will check for leaks in the A/C system and add refrigerant if needed.

Check the wipers. Extreme heat and sun exposure will wear down the effectiveness of your windshield wipers. If they streak or smear, it’s time for new wipers.

Make sure tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires rob you of gas mileage and are also a safety hazard. Overinflated tires can also wear out tires prematurely and create unsafe handling. Check your tire pressure frequently to make sure you’re within the manufacturer’s recommended limits, since tire pressure can actually increase as the temperature rises or road friction builds up heat. Also check your spare tire regularly to keep it properly inflated.

Need more help?

If you have further questions, please visit AskFord.com.
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Expires 5/31/2013