Blog

Summer has officially started in Arizona, as people have been feeling the heat since late May. While it’s expected to get cooler around July, the weather will likely be sweltering and dry by then. Apart from taking care of yourself, you should also check on your vehicles. The summer heat can create a host of problems for your truck, such as uneven tire pressure, a broken drive belt, faulty air conditioning, and more.

Here are precautions you can take to keep your lifted truck in tip-top condition during the hot weather.

Maintain Your Air Conditioner

The hotter it gets, the harder your truck’s air conditioning system needs to work to keep the cabin at an ideal temperature. You don’t want it to break down while you’re driving under the hot Phoenix sun. Give it some TLC before taking it out for a ride.

• Radiator Fin Cleaning – Pop the hood to gain access to the radiator fins. Debris may have accumulated between the fins. Gently scrub them off with a nylon brush. Then, use a pressure washer or a hose to wash the rest of the dirt off.
• Inspect the Links – Next, look for your air conditioner compressor. It should look like a smaller version of your home AC compressor with a lot of hoses linked to it. Inspect each hose to see if there are any leaks or cracks. Take the truck to the service center immediately if there are any issues with the pipes.
• Get Rid of Unwanted Moisture – Moisture can create unpleasant odors during your drive. Keep your AC smelling fresh by using refresher spray directly on the grilles. Let your vehicle defogger run for about 10 minutes after you use your AC to get rid of excess moisture.

Optimize Your Tire Pressure

Temperature affects your tire pressure significantly. Hot temps can cause the air inside the tire to expand, increasing pressure. Too much pressure can cause the rubber to blow out. Experts, however, recommend that you don’t lower your tire pressure on a hot day. This is because your wheels could deflate at night when it’s remarkably cooler. It could lead to other unsafe driving conditions. So, how much pressure should your tire have?

Base your tire pressure on the manufacturer’s recommendation. Their product research ensures proper inflation for your tires, with enough room for expansion during hot weather. Adjust pressure during the colder parts of the day: in the middle of the night or early morning. This way, you don’t have to worry about your truck feeling sluggish when temps drop.

Check Your Drive Belt

Your engine’s drive belt is crucial to its operation. If it breaks in the middle of the road, your truck will be unusable. Your drive belt is hard to miss on your engine; it wraps around the visible gears. Inspect it for any cracks or scratches. According to the carmaker, Continental, if roughly two cracks are found around the belt, it’s nearing the end of its lifespan. The summer heat could further deteriorate its rubber and cause it to snap. Call your servicing station immediately to have your vehicle towed and its drive belt replaced.

Your truck is a crucial tool that protects you from the harsh summer heat on the way to work or on supply runs. You should take care of it as you would yourself. Follow these tips to keep your vehicle’s heat-sensitive parts in their best condition.

Find High-Quality Lifted Trucks for the Best Price

If you want a durable and reliable lifted truck without breaking the bank, head over to Canyon State Trucks and SUVs.  We stock a wide inventory of preowned lifted trucks in our Phoenix headquarters. Each vehicle is thoroughly inspected, properly maintained, and certified by Carfax.

Call us today to find a truck that fits your needs, tastes, and budget.