Sunday, March 9

Check Your Car Tails: Guarding Your Vehicle Against Summer Heat

Auto Repair

One of numerous components of an automobile that summer heat may greatly affect are tails.  Taillights may be damaged over time by the strong heat from the sun, combined with variations in humidity and temperature.  You have to know how the summer heat affects taillight operation if you want your vehicle to be visible and safe on the road.  By following the correct maintenance for your taillights during the warmer months, you can prevent long-term damage and keep the lighting system of your automobile functional.

Heat-Related Damage to Taillight Lenses

One of the most obvious consequences of summer heat on taillights is degradation of them.  High temperatures over time may damage, discolor, or sometimes shatter the plastic lens.  UV radiation from the sun break down the component parts of the lens, leading to fading or clouding that reduces the effectiveness of the taillight.  Cracked or broken lenses cause moisture entering into the taillight assembly to cause further electrical or corrosion issues.  Check the taillight lenses often for wear or damage during the summer.  See a reputable Auto Repair in Helena, MT, to maintain your tails in perfect shape for a comprehensive examination and repairs.

Rising Bulb Burnout Risk

Strong solar heat accelerates burnout of taillight bulbs.  The enclosed heat retention of the taillight housing causes overheating and stresses on the delicate electrical components therein.  This heat stress may cause the filament and other bulb components to break early.  Particularly at night, a burned-out taillight reduces visibility, which makes it difficult for other drivers to gauge the distance and purpose of a car.  Essential safety measures include proactive bulb replacement and frequent inspections.  Having effective tails helps to avoid accidents and promotes safer driving conditions for all drivers by eliminating situations when the vehicle is difficult to identify in the dark.

Auto Repair

Issues with condensation and moisture

On hot summer days, moisture-related issues might potentially compromise taillights.  Temperature differences between the heated exterior and colder inside of the taillight housing might cause condensation within the lens.  Eventually, trapped moisture may produce fogging, corrosion of electrical components, and possibly taillight system failure.  Prevention of this depends critically on regular checks for moisture buildup and proper sealing of the taillight housing.

Final Thought

Summer heat may aggravate a range of taillight issues including lens degradation, bulb burning, and moisture accumulation.  Regular taillight maintenance and inspection helps find probable problems before they become more severe.  Making sure the taills are clean, the lenses are in one piece, and the bulbs are running as they should can help to extend the longevity and usefulness of the lighting system.