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Living in Pensacola creates some unique car care and preparedness needs. The Pensacola Florida area has a subtropic climate that is characterized by hot, humid summers, mild, wet winters, and, unfortunately, frequent hurricanes and tropical storms. In addition, the salt and sand in our area can also cause corrosion. If you want to keep your car in tip-top condition while living in Pensacola, follow these seven tips.
You should wash your car every two to four weeks and make sure to wax it every three months to keep the paint safe from the UV rays of the hot Pensacola sun. Pay close attention to your undercarriage and be sure to remove corrosion causing salt and sand.
The bright Florida sun can damage more than just your paint job. Your interior also needs protection. Use sunshades and window visors to minimize the impact and for leather and vinyl, use conditioner to prevent cracking or fading.
Making sure you have clean oil and fluids is important no matter where you live but in areas that have especially hot summers, it can help to prevent overheating and even vehicle fires. Follow the manufacturer-recommended intervals for oil changes, ensure your coolant levels are adequate and routinely check all of the fluids in your vehicle.
As stated above, an increase of salt and sand can affect all parts of your vehicle as can heat, and that includes your battery. You should check your battery for corrosion, clean the terminals regularly, and be mindful of the age of your battery as the heat can shorten its lifespan.
Pensacola drivers will find themselves driving in stormy conditions often. To keep you and everyone else on the roads safe, make sure your brakes are in working condition and your tires are as well. You should rotate your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles or every 6 months to ensure even wear. Check your tire pressure once a month, and make sure your wheels are properly aligned.
Hurricane season typically lasts from late May to mid-November and it’s especially important to stay prepared during these months. Keep your gas tank at least half full or if you own an EV at least 50% charged. You should prepare an emergency kit to keep in your vehicle that has first aid supplies a flashlight, non-perishable snacks, and bottled water as well.
Regularly running your air conditioner or climate control system can help it stay in good condition. Have the system checked annually. If you haven’t had your air conditioning system checked recently, book an appointment with the service team here at Bob Tyler Toyota. Our certified service center team is here to keep your vehicle running at its best no matter the weather.
