How Salt Lake City's Climate Affects Your Used Car: Maintenance Tips for Desert to Mountain Driving
Description
Living in Salt Lake City means your vehicle faces unique challenges. From scorching valley temperatures in summer to heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures in winter, your used car needs specialized care to keep you on the road.
Let's explore how our distinct climate affects your vehicle and what you can do to protect it.
Let's explore how our distinct climate affects your vehicle and what you can do to protect it.
Summer’s Valley Heat Challenge
The Salt Lake valley regularly sees summer temperatures soar above 95°F, which can take a serious toll on your vehicle. This exposure to high temperatures can affect multiple systems:
Battery Life
The intense valley heat accelerates battery water evaporation and chemical degradation. While most batteries last 3-5 years, Salt Lake's summer heat can reduce this to 2-3 years. Therefore, you should consider having your battery checked at your local parts store. Usually free of charge.
Cooling System Stress
Those high summer temperatures mean your cooling system works overtime. The dramatic elevation changes between the valley and mountains put additional strain on the system. Here are a few maintenance tips to keep your cooling system running well:
- Check coolant levels monthly
- Flush the cooling system every 30,000 miles
- Watch for leaks, especially after a weekend exploring the mountains
- Consider upgrading to a higher-quality coolant rated explicitly for extreme temperatures
Winter's Double Threat: Salt and Cold
The Salt Lake City winter brings two significant challenges: road salt and freezing temperatures. This combination can be particularly harsh on used vehicles.
Battling Road Salt
Our roads are heavily salted in the winter, and that salt is corrosive to older vehicles. Here are some things you can do to protect your car:
- Applying protective undercoating before winter begins
- Getting regular undercarriage washes during winter
- Immediately washing your car after a trip to the ski resorts
- Paying special attention to wheel wells and brake components
Cold Weather Protection
When temperatures drop below freezing, make sure to do the following:
- Use the correct oil viscosity for winter
- Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent the fuel line from freezing
- Check tire pressure monthly
- Test your battery - cold weather reduces battery capacity
Quick mountain access is one of the best reasons to live in the Salt Lake area. But each trip up the canyon can put unique stress on your car.
Brake System Care
Those climbs up and down the mountain can put extra stress on your brakes. Warning signs to watch for:
- Squealing or grinding sounds
- Vibration in the brake pedal
- Longer stopping distances
- Brake fluid that looks dark or dirty
Have your brakes inspected every 15,000 miles or more frequently if you regularly go up the canyons.
Transmission Health
The constant elevation changes mean your transmission works harder than in flatter regions. But you can help protect it by:
- Following the severe-duty maintenance schedule in your owner's manual
- Checking transmission fluid monthly
- Using lower gears for steep descents
- Getting regular transmission services every 30,000 miles
Year-Round Protection
Regardless of the temperature outside, these habits will help you get the most out of your used car:
- Park in covered areas when possible to protect from both sun and snow
- Keep a regular maintenance schedule
- Use high-quality filters appropriate for dusty conditions - especially if you're spending a lot of time in the deserts of Southern Utah
- Check tire condition monthly, and don't forget about the spare
- Keep detailed maintenance records
When to See a Mechanic
You can handle a lot of your car maintenance at home. Still, it's crucial to have a professional check your vehicle if you notice:
- Unusual noises, especially during elevation changes
- Decreased performance in extreme temperatures
- Fluid leaks
- Check engine or other warning lights
The Bottom Line
Salt Lake's climate can present challenges for vehicle maintenance. But, with proper care, your car can handle everything from summer heat to winter snow and ice. The key is understanding how different conditions affect different vehicle systems while staying proactive with maintenance.
Car prevention is always less expensive than repair. A key to getting the most out of your car is to invest in regular maintenance, which will help you catch issues before they become expensive repairs.
Car prevention is always less expensive than repair. A key to getting the most out of your car is to invest in regular maintenance, which will help you catch issues before they become expensive repairs.