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toolkit: Beat the Heat Prepare your vehicle for sizzling temperatures before hitting the road this summer 42 W e s t W o r l d >> s u m m e r 2 0 1 4 istock We ask a lot of our cars, particularly when the weather heats up. Whether you're idling in bumper-to-bumper traffic on a scorching day or driving hundreds of kilometres to the lakeside cabin, summertime can be rough on your vehicle. Luckily, there are a few key maintenance steps you can take to ensure your car is up to the task, all season long, whether you look after your vehicle yourself or take it to a licensed automotive technician. Keep pretty Parking a vehicle for any duration under the sun's harmful uV rays can be tough on its PAINT. If your car has been smeared with mud, sap or bird droppings, the residue can bake into the clear coat and leave a permanent blemish. rinse or wipe off any offending materials you find on your vehicle as soon as possible, and try to park in covered areas. Pick up a clay bar and car wax from your local automo- tive store — the former helps remove even the smallest grit from the paint, and the latter adds a protective barrier while creating a gleaming shine. If you're embarking on a long trip, consider investing in a car bra to protect the front bumper, hood and fenders from rock chips. — Benjamin Yong poWer up While winter's chill can strain a car BATTERY, hot temperatures can be equally harmful causing issues like corrosion that can reduce efficiency. To check your battery, remove the two connectors from the terminals and look for any corrosion, lead oxidation or rust. use a scouring pad to remove any build-up. It's also a good idea to have your battery and electrical system professionally tested before any long road trip. Of course, if you do run into trouble, BCAA's Battery service is available to boost or replace your battery, whether you're at home or on the road (bcaa.com/battery). stay hydrated Just like your body, your car needs to be properly hydrated to function. Hot weather can deplete FLUIDS more quickly, so pop the hood and top off the windshield wiper fluid and engine coolant. If you haven't already, change your oil and think about switching to a synthetic vari- ant that performs better under extreme temperature changes. Air-conditioning, brake and trans- mission fluids may also warrant an inspection if it's been a while since your last service. Wipe clean Your WINDSHIELD WIPERS might not get the same workout now as they do in winter, but you still want to be prepared in case of a passing storm or splash of high- way dirt. The rubber blades on wipers can dry out quickly render- ing them next to useless, and most experts recommend swap- ping them out every six to 12 months even if they don't appear damaged. Wiper blades are easy to install and can be found at your dealership or any parts store. tread safely Just before the start of a new season is a good time to rotate your TIRES. When removing the wheels, be mindful of uneven wear in the tread pattern, or nails and other sharp objects that may have become embedded. It's bet- ter to have a tire repaired early than risk a high-speed blowout. measure the tire pressure and adjust to the recommended set- ting (see driver's-side doorjamb sticker or owner's manual). make sure not to exceed the maximum PsI indicated on the tire sidewall. p42-43_Toolkit.indd 42 14-04-15 12:14 PM