Due to the long dry season, hot weather occurs in several regions in Indonesia, the temperature reaches 35.4 to 38 degrees Celsius, of course this makes it important to always pay attention to the condition of the car.
The reason is, according to the Aftersales Business Division Head of Auto2000 Nur Imansyah Tara, this scorching hot weather means we have to be sensitive to our cars and not neglect their maintenance.
"Don't let your car have difficulty dealing with high air temperatures, especially when dealing with congested roads," he wrote in an official statement.
Therefore, Nur Imansyah, in his written statement, said that there are several components that are important to pay attention to so that you can still drive safely in hot weather.
1. Hot Weather Always Check the Radiator
The radiator is one of the components that needs to be checked during hot weather. This is because the radiator which is positioned at the front of the car functions to stabilize the engine temperature and prevent overheating of the engine.
So, if the temperature around the car is high, then the road conditions are congested, then the radiator cannot get a supply of fresh air because the car stops more. As a result, it will hamper the radiator cooling process.
Apart from that, another part that also needs to be paid attention to in the radiator is the fluid or coolant. Because, coolant also has an important role, because it can absorb hot temperatures and cool the radiator.
Therefore, there is no harm in regularly checking the radiator, including ensuring that coolant is used according to the car's specifications and needs. Therefore, check the radiator and make sure there are no leaks or rust, and the radiator fins are not dented or torn.
You must pay attention to the hoses and connections because there is a risk of brittleness. The radiator cap must be in prime condition because its job is to regulate the radiator fluid pressure. Also make sure the radiator cooling fan is working properly.
Also read: Different brands of radiator water have different colors, is it safe to mix them with each other?
2. Pay attention to the condition of the tires
During hot weather conditions, the outside part of the car that really needs to be paid attention to is the tires. Because car tires must make direct contact with the very hot asphalt of the road during the day.
Not to mention, worn tire treads have a risk of exploding because the tire's steel wire mesh is in direct contact with the hot road surface. Immediately replace the car tires when the tire tread wear limit or Tire Wear Indicator (TWI) is visible.
When conditions are hot, what you need to pay attention to is that the air pressure is not too low because it will make the tire walls unable to withstand the up-and-down movement properly, and will even bend if it is too flat.
As a result, the deflection on the tire wall will be higher than normal and there is a risk of damaging the woven steel wire in the tire wall. Tires can burst under heavy use conditions. However, the air pressure is also too excessive, because the tires will become harder and cannot absorb shocks or vibrations when the car is moving.
3. Brakes
The part of the car that can be affected in hot weather is the braking system. The reason is, brakes that have metal material can get hot because they rub against each other. Moreover, the hot weather conditions are added. So extra hot.
So that brake performance remains good, make sure you always check the fluid according to the specifications and needs of the car's brakes so that performance remains optimal.
Brake fluid must not be reduced by checking the reserve tube in the engine compartment. Add it immediately, but if it's not enough too often, then it needs to be checked.
Make sure there is no mud or dust deposits in the tube to prevent blockages in the brake system. Apart from that, it is a good idea to replace worn out brake linings so as not to press the brake pedal harder so that the brake fluid does not work too hard.
Make sure there are no brittle or torn brake hoses, including the risk of rust on the connections and brake fluid pipes. Beware of dust that can block the brake sensors from working or enter the car's brake system.
4. Car AC
The part of the car that should not be forgotten during hot weather like now is the AC. Yes, a car air conditioner that is not cool enough can make the driver and passengers uncomfortable, due to the heat.
This can certainly cause stress and emotions on the road. For this reason, immediately check the refrigerant or freon fluid which can decrease if the AC duct leaks, causing the AC to not blow cold.
Apart from that, also check the evaporator, because this component can inhale dust from outside which can be brought into the car. The reason is, if dust enters the evaporator, the burst of wind will prevent the cabin from getting cold.
What needs to be done is to replace the dirty cabin filter to keep the evaporator clean, to keep the AC air clean.
The part of the car that also needs to be checked is the condenser, which is located close to the radiator, namely at the front of the car.
Make sure there are no leaks, dents or rust on the fins, and also pay attention to the AC compressor so that there are no strange sounds and the compressor fan belt does not squeak or tear. Also read: Car AC is not cold. Don't ignore the cabin filter, it's cheap but its role is important
5. Engine Oil
The part of the car that cannot escape checking during hot weather conditions is the engine oil. Where this lubricant has an important role, because it can help cool the car engine by releasing the heat carried from inside the engine.
Therefore, in conditions like this, make sure the engine oil volume does not decrease by checking it via the dipstick. Apart from that, also check the engine block for leaks or not. Because, if the oil is reduced, the components in the engine block's innards will experience scratches and wear.
As a result, the car engine also heats up quickly or overheats. Apart from that, the car will also break down easily. So that the oil volume remains as recommended, make sure the amount remains the same, and choose the right lubricant chemical compound, according to the needs and specifications of the car engine.
6. Watch out for brittle rubber
Because the weather is quite hot, the parts of the car that need attention and checking are rubber components. The reason is, if rubber is exposed to heat, it will dry out, and its flexibility will decrease.
One of the many types of rubber on cars is the wiper. Even though wipers are rarely used in hot conditions, if rain suddenly comes, it will be difficult for this component to wipe the water properly.
Therefore, if you feel that there are signs that the weather is going to rain, then check the wipers again, make sure they are not brittle, cracked or torn.
Apart from wipers, check several rubber materials that can be exposed to direct heat, such as door or boy rubber, channel rubber, deck rubber, glass rubber, and even V-belts.
7. Battery or batteries
Batteries or accumulators also need attention when the weather is continuously hot. So what's the connection? It is known, in some cases, cars still use batteries or the battery has liquid in its core.
So, when heat strikes, it is not impossible that the liquid in it will evaporate, and cause corrosion to appear on each terminal and connecting cable.
If that happens, then battery life will also be faster than average. Apart from that, rust that sticks to the battery terminals will disrupt the stability of the electric current to power electronic features.
