Beat the Heat: Essential Car Protection Tips for Salt Lake City Summers

Summer in Salt Lake City means beautiful mountain views, outdoor adventures, and temperatures that can soar well into the triple digits. While we love the sunny weather, our vehicles face serious challenges when the mercury rises. The combination of intense UV rays at our 4,300-foot elevation, desert-dry conditions, and extreme heat can take a serious toll on your car.

Don't let the summer heat leave you stranded on the side of I-15 or stuck in a parking lot with a dead battery. Here's how to keep your vehicle running smoothly through Salt Lake's hottest months.

Why Salt Lake City Heat Is Tough on Cars

Salt Lake City's unique climate creates the perfect storm for vehicle stress. Our high desert location means intense sun exposure with little humidity to provide relief. The thin air at our elevation allows UV rays to hit your car with extra intensity, while dust and debris from the surrounding valleys can clog important components.

When temperatures climb above 100 degrees—which happens regularly in July and August—your car's engine, cooling system, and electrical components work overtime just to keep everything running properly.

Check Your Cooling System Before the Heat Hits

Your car's cooling system is its first line of defense against extreme temperatures. In Salt Lake's heat, a failing cooling system can lead to costly engine damage in minutes.

Coolant levels and condition should be checked regularly. Old coolant loses its effectiveness and can actually cause more harm than good. Look for coolant that appears rusty, oily, or filled with debris.

Radiator maintenance is crucial in our dusty environment. Salt Lake's dry conditions mean dust and small particles can quickly clog radiator fins, reducing your cooling system's efficiency. A simple visual inspection can reveal if your radiator needs cleaning.

Hoses and belts expand and contract with temperature changes. The extreme heat can cause old hoses to crack or belts to stretch beyond their useful life. Replace any components that show signs of wear before they fail.

Protect Your Battery from Heat Damage

Contrary to popular belief, extreme heat is actually harder on car batteries than cold weather. Salt Lake's summer temperatures can literally cook the fluid inside your battery, leading to premature failure.

Battery terminals should be kept clean and free of corrosion. The white, powdery buildup you might see around battery posts reduces electrical connectivity and makes your battery work harder.

Parking strategies can extend your battery's life significantly. Whenever possible, park in shaded areas or use a sunshade to reduce interior temperatures. Even a few degrees can make a big difference in battery longevity.

Keep Your Tires Road-Ready

Hot pavement and high temperatures can cause tire blowouts, especially on busy highways like I-15 and I-80. Proper tire maintenance becomes even more critical during summer months.

Tire pressure increases with temperature. For every 10-degree temperature rise, your tire pressure can increase by 1-2 PSI. Check your pressure when tires are cool, preferably in the morning before driving.

Tread depth and wear patterns become more important in extreme heat. Worn tires are more likely to fail when temperatures soar. Look for uneven wear that might indicate alignment issues or other problems.

Don't Forget Your Air Conditioning

Nothing ruins a summer drive like broken air conditioning. In Salt Lake's climate, your A/C system works harder than in more humid environments, making regular maintenance essential.

Cabin air filters get dirty faster in our dusty conditions. A clogged filter forces your A/C system to work harder and reduces cooling efficiency. Replace filters more frequently during summer months.

Refrigerant levels should be checked before the season's first heat wave. Low refrigerant not only reduces cooling but can also damage expensive A/C components.

Simple Prevention Steps You Can Take

Regular oil changes become even more important in extreme heat. Hot weather thickens oil and reduces its ability to lubricate engine components effectively.

Fluid levels should be checked monthly during summer. This includes brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Salt Lake's dry air can cause fluids to evaporate more quickly.

Interior protection helps prevent damage to dashboards, seats, and electronic components. Use sunshades, window tinting, or covered parking whenever possible.

Emergency kit preparation should include extra water (for both you and your radiator), jumper cables, and a basic tool kit. Cell service can be spotty in some mountain areas around Salt Lake, so being prepared is essential.

When to Seek Professional Help

Don't wait for a breakdown to address potential problems. If you notice any warning signs like unusual engine noises, reduced cooling performance, or dashboard warning lights, have your vehicle inspected immediately.

Regular pre-summer inspections can catch small problems before they become major repairs. This is especially important in Salt Lake's extreme climate where minor issues can quickly escalate.

Keep Your Cool This Summer

Don't let Salt Lake City's summer heat catch you off guard. At Jones Complete Car Care, our ASE-certified technicians specialize in keeping vehicles running smoothly through Utah's most challenging weather conditions. From cooling system flushes to A/C repairs and battery testing, we have the expertise to prepare your car for whatever summer throws at it.

Beat the heat before it beats your car. Call our Salt Lake City location at 801-269-0111 or visit us at 4621 South 900 East to schedule your pre-summer vehicle inspection today. Your car—and your summer plans—will thank you.