Car Care Tips for Tropical/Wet Climates

Oct 31, 2019 | Automotive Advice, Battery, Blog, Brakes, Car Maintenance, Seasonal Care, Total Car Care

Tropical Storm view from a car

Car Care Tips for Tropical/Wet Climates

Climate has a huge impact on how your car runs. Most people think about cold temperatures being harsh on cars, but tropical climates can lead to just as much extra wear and tear. Here are some tips for proper Florida car maintenance to keep your car running its best.

 

Check Your Oil and Transmission Fluid

Most people may not realize that the W in your oil’s viscosity stands for “winter.” In colder climates, you want a lower number, while in hotter climates like Florida you want a higher W number. Additionally, synthetic oil is a better option for tropical climates because they are designed to withstand high heat. This means they are less likely to burn up or get sludgy when temperatures skyrocket.

If your engine overheats, whether from the temperature or from how it’s operating, it will cause burnt oil that will then lead to more damage inside your engine and transmission. Transmission fluid is meant to withstand higher temperatures than most motor oil, but it can still cause a lot of damage if it does become burnt.

Not to mention heat causes extra wear and tear on metal parts within your transmission, which will speed up the contamination of your transmission fluid. If you keep an eye on both the motor oil and transmission fluid levels and consistency, you can head off more serious repairs.

Keep an Eye on Coolant

Your engine and transmission both use the same cooling system, so it’s a good idea to make sure it’s working efficiently. When outside temperatures are high, that can increase the likelihood of your engine overheating, especially if your coolant level is low.

Checking your coolant level is easy to do yourself from home. If you notice it’s low, you can check your owner’s manual to find the correct type and mixture of coolant to add some yourself, though you may be safer taking your car to a mechanic. If you’re losing coolant, there could be an underlying problem that needs to be addressed before it becomes an even more expensive car repair.

Coolant Gauge

Wash Your Car Regularly

Living by the ocean, there is extra salt in the air that can gradually eat away at protective coating on your car. This means you should be extra diligent about washing your car. For an extra layer of protection, finishing with a wax coat can help keep salt residue from sticking on your car.

Alternatively, you can cover your car when not in use. This can help keep the salt spray away from the exterior of the car, though you may not choose this option if you use your car frequently.

Look at Your Tires

Checking your tire pressure in both hot and cold climates is important. Whereas cold temperatures will cause tires to lose pressure, hot temperatures do the opposite. If your tires have too much air in them, hot temperatures combined with the heat generated while driving can cause a blowout. The last thing you want to happen when driving on the highway, or any road for that matter, is for one of your tires to randomly explode and cause an accident.

You can easily check your tire pressure with a gauge at home and release some air if necessary.

image of a mechanic testing a battery's health

Check Your Battery

Batteries will typically last between four to five years but can wear out sooner depending on your climate and overall condition of your car. The humid temperature and wet, salty weather can be hard on your battery and cause corrosion build up. If your vehicle is stuttering or struggling to start up or if your engine turns but doesn’t start, you may already have battery system issues and should look to get it services right away. Don’t get stranded on the side of the road in in your driveway with a dead battery.

Related Article: AAMCO Central Florida — Battery and Starter Services

Maintain Your AC

In most climates, you may think of your car’s AC as being a luxury. In tropical climates such as Florida, having functional AC in your car verges on necessity during the hot summer months. When you combine the heat with humidity, driving or riding in a car with no AC can be unbearable and even unhealthy.

If you notice any problems with your AC, a mechanic can diagnose and fix any issues. Even if you don’t notice anything, it’s a good idea to head off potential problems by getting a performance check in the spring before summer temperatures hit.

Related Article: Car Air Conditioning Service

AAMCO Central Florida Can Help with Tropical Car Care

Bring your vehicle in to your local AAMCO Central Florida service center or call us for help getting your vehicle on a regular maintenance schedule! Proper maintenance habits can help you not only improve your vehicle’s performance, but also save you from potentially financially crippling repairs and failures. Schedule an appointment before it’s too late. AAMCO Central Florida can help you get your vehicle back on the road safely — diagnosing your car’s ailments and fixes it right the first time. Schedule an appointment today!

AAMCO Central Florida Is the Car Repair and Maintenance Expert

While keeping an eye on these aspects of your car can prevent extra damage, having a trusted mechanic to help with tropical car care is important. AAMCO Central Florida expert mechanics can help with any auto repair services, from simple to complex, and get your car back on the road.

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