Driving in Desert Climates

Whether you live in an area with high temperatures, in a desert climate, or plan on traveling through a desert climate someday, there are many crucial car care tips and planning that anyone in these situations should know. Summer is driving season, and in the southwest states of the United States, this means extra wear-and-tear on your vehicle and extremely high and dry temperatures.

First off, summer, the time for high temperatures, is also the season for car-battery problems. According to carjunction.com, heat, not cold, shortens battery life. Excessive heat and even over-charging are the most common reasons for a battery to die and cause car-starting failure. The website states that, "heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, thus damaging the internal structure of the battery. A malfunctioning component in the charging system, usually the voltage regulator, allows too high a charging rate." Routine battery checks are helpful when driving in high temperatures. Most service shops offer battery services and can check the battery life and effectiveness in their shop for you.

This is a significant preventative maintenance check that could save you time and money in the long run. In the high temperatures, no one should find themselves stuck at home with a battery that has died unexpectedly, or on the side of a long road in excessive and potentially dangerous temperatures. When caring for your battery, be sure the electrical system is working properly and charging at the correct rate, add distilled water when needed, and if a replacement is necessary replace a dead battery with one that is rated at least as high as the one that just died, and keep the top of the battery as clean as possible as dirt becomes a conductor and can drain battery power. As corrosion accumulates on the battery terminals, it becomes an insulator, hindering current flow.

Desert climate areas tend to have roads with more sand or also fall under zones that face sandstorms. Just as the Phoenix, Arizona area just experienced, sandstorms can cause damage to your car's air filters and clogged air filters can mean serious damage to your vehicle's health. Air filters are one component of keeping your vehicle running smoothly. They play an important part in all of the essential systems of the vehicle. An air filter is an important part of a car's intake system, because it is through the air filter that the engine "breathes." An engine needs an exact mixture of fuel and air in order to run, and all of the air enters the system first through the air filter.

The air filter's purpose is to filter out dirt and other foreign particles in the air, preventing them from entering the system and possibly damaging the engine. It is a paper filter that stops debris like dust, leaves, and other objects before they get into the engine and cause harm. Eventually, if an air filter is neglected, it will get clogged and not work effectively. It will not allow the engine to suck in enough air into the combustion chambers. The engine will then "run rich" meaning too much gas and not enough air. Your car can lose power and run less effectively at this point.

Vehicles in higher temperatures with sand and dust storms should change their air filters more frequently. Likewise, there are air filters meant for extreme temperatures. It is certainly maintenance worth adding to the routine, particularly for those who constantly drive through excessive temperatures.

Similarly crucial for high temperatures is special oil. Many car sites will describe synthetic oils are worth considering for driving in extreme conditions. Oil is the lifeblood of your car's engine, so it's important that you have regular oil changes. The oil in your engine lubricates some of the most critical moving parts of the engine, protects against corrosion, cools the transmission and other parts of the engine, and cleans the engine by carrying away dirt and other contaminants. High viscosity oils supply better lubrication to your engine at high temperatures, such as in hot weather.

Driving in hot conditions usually requires or comes with the recommendation of having a working air conditioning. This is something that can be utilized during driving, but can also be helpful in emergency situations. Air conditioning service is important and is usually a quick and affordable task. Do a pressure test which will assess the pressure of the cooling system, and examine belts and hoses for wear or deterioration. No one wants their car blowing hot air at them while driving in 100+ degree temperatures. With any AC service, air volume and temperature can also be evaluated. This service is usually recommended once a year, before the hottest driving months hit. Air conditioning can also come in handy if a car breaks down on the side of a road with problems that still allow the car to be on. While waiting for assistance, stay cool and safe in the air conditioning, rather than waiting outside in extreme temperatures.

Preventative maintenance and routine maintenance is always important for those who drive in higher temperatures. The fluids in your vehicles can be depleted faster in extreme temperatures, so all major fluids should be monitored to keep vehicle systems working effectively. While many preventative maintenance tasks vary in chronology, making a list of checks which need to be done can help keep your vehicle running well and effectively. Preventative maintenance can save you money, and although it takes time and a commitment, will keep you safe on the road. Based on mileage, a preventative maintenance check can include everything from tire condition, fluids, brakes, battery and cables, filters, belts, hoses, lights, and much more.

Some easy-to-follow tips before you hit the road in extreme temperatures are as follows:
- Remove winter tires and rotate your all-season tires. If you do not have winter tires, be sure to check tire condition before hitting the road for long distances.
- Check brakes. Warning signs include grinding, squealing, or screeching.
- Check wiper blades and wiper fluid. Dust can add up on windshields, so be sure to have plenty of fluid to keep the windshield clean and visibility high.
- Apply a protectant to any vinyl surfaces like the seats and the steering wheel, which can be damaged by the sun and heat.
- Change the oil regularly with one that works effectively in high temperatures.

Lastly, driving in extreme temperatures can be dangerous if something happens to your car. Unfortunately, roadside emergencies happen, Always be sure to get plenty of gas and always have a "hot-weather emergency road-side kit" on hand and someplace easy to get to. The kit should include plenty of water, a battery operated fan or spray fan with extra water, an extra bottle of coolant, non perishable food items, a thermal blanket, extra clothing, a compass, and other normal roadside emergency things such as a full first aid kit, flat tire fixer, battery jumper cables, a tow rope, a snow shovel, a signal light, a horn, an escape tool, toilet paper, a mini air compressor, and anything else you could "plan" ahead for in a vehicle emergency situation. Whether it's being prepared with items in your kit, or the systems inside your car, putting in the time and commitment to maintaining your vehicle will save you money and keep you safe on the roads, even in extreme temperature conditions. Driving in desert conditions might need different maintenance than regular climates, but the key is knowing these tips ahead of time.