Along with barbecues and fireworks, overheating cars seem to be a rite of summer. It’s more common at this time of year, but that doesn’t mean it has to happen to you. You can take some simple steps to protect your vehicle and your wallet, including scheduling Lexus service at Keyes Lexus as soon as possible.

Regular Maintenance

Your engine relies on coolant and motor oil to keep its cool. If either one is aged or chronically low, your engine will run hotter and risk overheating. Other systems, like your thermostat and simple components like your radiator and hoses, can also suffer defects or damage that leave you stranded. Keeping up with inspections and regular maintenance is imperative at this time of year.

Park Carefully

Your car should be cooling down when you’re not driving, but if you’re parking in a sunny spot, it won’t have the opportunity. Park in shady areas on the street, especially during summer, and try to park inside when possible. You can also add a sunshade or car cover to protect it from the sun and keep it from turning into an oven.

Be Careful with A/C

If you’ve ever felt the scorching blast from the outlet of a window air conditioner, you know why this is a problem; air conditioners generate a lot of heat to keep you cool, and in a car, that means your engine is running hotter. If you’re stuck in traffic, turn the A/C and the engine off and put the windows down. If your temperature gauge is flirting with the red line, run the heat to pull some hot air out from under the hood.

Get Full Service at Keyes Lexus

Regular overheating can be caused by many problems, from dirty oil or a malfunctioning sensor to major engine issues. Visit our Van Nuys Lexus dealership and have our expert service team diagnose the problem today!