Summertime means driving in extremely hot temperatures, especially in Calgary. Too much heat causes undesirable effects on our vehicles, such as exposed tires, hot interior and high engine temperature. But it doesn’t mean that no one can drive safely during the summertime. All it takes is being aware of existing conditions and adequate preparation before you set off on your journey. Once on the road, be conscious of fuel consumption and existing road conditions to avoid any incidents from occurring. Summertime also means that summer driving myths are on the rise; let us debunk three of the most popular myths about driving under the hot summer sun.

Myth: Turning the heat on makes the engine prone to overheating

First and foremost, someone turning on the heat while driving on a hot summer day does not seem likely. Although one can correlate the heater with high engine temperature, turning on the heat doesn’t make the engine hotter. In fact, this can alleviate engine heat by distributing some of the heat away from the engine. An overheated engine is one of the most inconvenient issues one can face while driving any used cars in Calgary in the summer. Sometimes, an overheated engine causes serious damage to the car. The best thing to do to avoid overheating is to maintain engine coolant and check the radiator for any possible issues. Tinting the windows and parking in the shade also helps the engine heat up slowly. If your engine heats up immediately despite all the precautionary measures done, chances are there is something wrong with it. You need to bring it to a mechanic immediately.

Myth: The inside of the car is sunburn proof

While during road trips, you are basically covered from the sun by the car’s roof, it doesn’t mean that you will not get a sunburn. Sunrays pass through glass windows; this is especially the case due to most car models not having UVA protection glass tint. Also, some parts of your body, like your arms and half of your face, are directly exposed to the sun during driving. Prolonged exposure to the sun, despite being behind the wheel, can cause sunburn. The best thing to do when driving during summer is to apply sunscreen lotion to your arms and face or wear a light-colored long sleeves shirt to prevent over-exposure to the sun. Light colors reflect heat and make you feel cool. The dark color absorbs heat, so don’t wear those during the summer.

Myth: Summer tires cannot be affected by hot weather

While summer tires are designed to withstand the hot climate, they can still be affected by the heat. Despite the fact that summer tires have sturdier components compared to all-season or winter tires, it is still made of rubber, which reacts to extreme heat. Another thing to consider is that if the temperature is really hot, it increases the air pressure in the tire, making it harder, thus making it prone to overinflate and exploding upon the impact of a blunt object. The best thing to do is to ensure that you have a relatively new set of summer tires, especially if you are planning for a long trip. Make sure to drop your car off to a mechanic to have your tires checked, or if you are a DIY type of person, make sure that the PSI is at par with the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure a safe ride.

The bottom line is that before you head out during the summer, make sure that your vehicle is prepared to be exposed to high temperatures. Have your emergency tools handy, and follow all safety rules and guidelines of the road. Aside from your vehicle, you should also prepare yourself by wearing sun protection gear to avoid getting burnt under the summer sun.