Ah, summertime! The season that creates lifelong memories of fun in the sun with family and friends. It beckons to us all to get outside and explore the natural world.
The summers may be short in Canada, but the heat can be intense. Since travelling to the U.S. is unlikely for some time yet, many of us may fancy taking road trips closer to home. One survey shows 58% of Canadians are planning to travel domestically this summer. Once interprovincial borders open, if you plan to drive or jet off to another province, get a travel insurance policy before you go.
For those of us who are revved up to cruise to a cottage, campground, or provincial park this summer – 63% of us plan to take day trips locally and 50% intend go on a longer trip within their provinces this year – it’s wise to ensure your vehicle is up for the trip too.
But before you go, make sure you have the right amount of car insurance coverage, especially if your vehicle was in storage, or if you reduced coverage on it because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In any event, on those occasions when the thermometer rises, it pays to know how to maintain your vehicle. This is especially true in a future where hotter Canadian summers are expected as weather patterns continue to shift.
Regular vehicle maintenance is vital throughout the year. Steer clear of the summertime blues and prevent your vehicle from suffering a heat-related breakdown with these useful tips:
The no. 1 problem your car will face during sweltering summer temperatures is the risk of overheating. To keep your coolant system functioning properly:
Just as extreme cold can kill your vehicle’s battery, extreme heat can also cause it to fail as well. That's because extreme high temperatures shorten the lifespan of car batteries. Batteries work harder in the summer to power your car's air conditioning system. In addition, battery fluid can evaporate and cause your terminals to corrode and fail. To avoid battery issues this summer:
While the battery and cooling system are most affected by summer’s heat, here are a few more things to do as the mercury rises: