HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR CAR IN A DESERT CLIMATE

Driving in a desert climate like Phoenix, Arizona, means heat. The high temperatures, dry air, and dust can all impact your car's health. At Coulter Camelback Buick GMC, we know how to maintain cars properly in extreme heat. If you are struggling with maintaining your car in the desert weather, the tips below will help.

Change Oil Regularly

In a desert climate, you must change your oil more than in a moderate climate. Both heat and dust affect the oil, making it break down faster. Schedule oil changes more than the manufacturer suggests or follow their 'extreme conditions' schedule.

Also, use motor oil with a higher viscosity for hot climates like Phoenix. If you schedule your next oil change with us, we'd be happy to discuss the right oil for a car in the desert.

Monitor Battery Health

The desert heat can shorten your car battery's life span. Regularly check the following:

• Inspect terminals for corrosion.
• Confirm secure connections, as dust can loosen them.
• Perform voltage tests to detect early loss of life.

Maintain the Cooling System

If you start to lose coolant in a desert climate, your engine will not make it much longer. Inspect coolant levels often and keep extra coolant in your trunk or garage. Periodically inspect the radiator, hoses, and reservoir for leaks.

Inspect and Maintain Tires

The extra heat on the road will wear your tires down faster. Blowouts are also more common in the desert. Regularly check your tires for any signs of wear. Look for:

• Low tread depth.
• Sudden loss of tire pressure.
• Bubbles, cracks, or sidewall damage.

The experts at our service center can extend the life of your tires by rotating and balancing them regularly. Our staff can also recommend the best tires for the heat that fit within your budget.

Air Conditioner Maintenance

In a desert climate, air conditioners are not just for comfort. They are critical safety tools that keep you from overheating. Have your A/C system checked annually by certified technicians.

Air Filter

Things can get a little dusty in a desert environment. The dry soil combined with high winds results in fine dirt and dust particles that would otherwise end up in your engine if it wasn't for your car's air filter. While it's good practice to change your air filter every time you have your oil changed, the desert environment may cause it to clog up and need replacement sooner than expected. Keeping a close eye on your air filter - as well as the in-cabin air filter, if your car comes equipped with one - will help you avoid any nasty surprises.

Exterior Protection

The harsh sunlight can damage your car's paint:

• Wax your car regularly to prevent fading paint.
• Use car covers whenever parked for an extended period.
• Consider adding paint sealants or wraps for added semi-permanent protection.

Interior Protection

The seats, dash, and carpet on the interior will also suffer from UV rays:

• Use sunshades to reduce heat buildup inside the car.
• Apply interior UV protectant to the dashboard, seats, and door panels.
• Tint your windows to reduce glare and block UV rays.