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Battling the Elements: A Minnesotan’s Guide to Keeping Your Car Cool

We all know the Land of 10,000 Lakes for its chilly winters, hotdish recipes, and warm-hearted communities. But let’s talk about something that might catch us off guard–the rising heat and humidity that make their way into our beloved state during the summer months. As we trade our parkas for shorts, we must ensure that our trusty vehicles don’t suffer from the warmer conditions. 

At Matt’s Automotive Service Center, we’ve got your back with some practical tips and tricks to keep your car running smoothly even when the mercury rises. Below, we’ll go over four tips to help protect your car from heat and humidity. First, though, let’s talk about what exactly happens in the next few months for those who may be new to Minnesota. This winter was a tough one, but don’t let it fool you! 

Weather Report: Transitioning from Cold to Humid For The New Minnesotan

Before we dive into car care, let’s take a moment to appreciate the fascinating weather transition Minnesota experiences. While we’re known for our frosty winters, with average temperatures plunging below freezing, our summers can be quite the opposite. Picture this: frostbitten lakes giving way to vibrant foliage, and icy roads replaced by sun-soaked highways. 

Now, if you’re new to the state and have just gone through this winter (one of the roughest in a while!), you might wonder, “Just how hot does it get in Minnesota?” Well, on those occasional scorchers, our state can reach temperatures as high as the mid-90s Fahrenheit (around 35°C). Pair that with our characteristic humidity, and it’s a recipe for some serious summer heat challenges – especially for our vehicles.

Tips to Keep Your Cool: A Minnesotan’s Guide to Car Care

As summer arrives, bringing with it the sweet scent of barbecue and the sound of laughter from family and friends, it’s essential to prepare our vehicles for the heat and humidity that lie ahead. 

1. You Stay Hydrated, and So Should Your Car

Just like we gulp down refreshing glasses of water to stay cool, our cars need proper hydration too. Check your coolant levels regularly and top them up if needed. Coolant plays a vital role in regulating your engine’s temperature, preventing it from overheating.

If you’re not confident in handling this task yourself, swing by Matt’s Automotive Service Center, and our friendly experts will take care of it for you. We’ll also check your other essential fluids and make sure that motor oil doesn’t need changing, too. When you visit Matt’s Automotive Center, we give you the full picture of what your car needs to run efficiently. 

2. Shade Seekers Unite

Whenever possible, park your vehicle under a tree or in a shaded area to shield it from the scorching sun. This simple step can make a significant difference in preventing your car’s interior from turning into a sauna and damaging sensitive components. This is one of the easiest tips to implement in your routine but one that’s easy to ignore–it really does make a difference, so try it whenever you can! 

3. Tire Pressure Matters

Hot weather can cause the air inside your tires to expand, leading to overinflation. This can affect your vehicle’s handling and fuel efficiency. Keep an eye on your tire pressure, and if needed, adjust it to the manufacturer’s recommended levels. Our team at Matt’s Automotive Service Center will gladly assist you in maintaining the optimal pressure for safe and comfortable driving.

4. Regular Maintenance is Key

Minnesotans are known for their dedication and perseverance, and the same should apply to our vehicles. Regular maintenance checks, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and battery inspections, are vital to keeping your car running smoothly year-round. Swing by Matt’s Automotive Service Center, and we’ll provide you with top-notch service, ensuring your vehicle is ready to conquer the heat and humidity.

Staying Cool Together: Matt’s Automotive Service Center Has Your Back

Overall, being attentive to unusual noises, increased smoke, foul odors, reduced fuel efficiency, and changes in vehicle performance can help you spot exhaust problems before they worsen. Timely detection and repair of exhaust issues can prevent more extensive damage to the vehicle and ensure its optimal performance and safety.

Contact Matt’s Automotive Service Center

If your vehicle needs repair or replacement, the auto repair team at Matt’s Auto is ready to help. We invite you to visit Matt’s Automotive Service Center for a CIA (Complimentary Initial Analysis), where we ask our tech to spend an honest 10 minutes inspecting your vehicle. If the problem with your exhaust system is obvious, we will inform you what’s happening. 

Not only do we offer a free inspection, but we allow you the option to enroll in a paid annual inspection, which has us perform a multi-point inspection of your vehicle, produce reports showing our findings, and correct the balance of your tires so you can limit long-term damage. If you’re in the Fargo/Moorhead or Twin Cities areas, Matt’s Automotive Service Center has locations ready to serve! When you need a team you can rely on backed by a service experience second to none, there is only one choice. Schedule an appointment today with one of our locations today!