As an automotive engineer and car enthusiast I am always seeking ways to improve my cars and their life.

One thing I started recently should help the life of the underhood plastic and rubber components. When a vehicle is parked after being driven, the underhood temperature rises above that while the car is being driven. That is because there is no longer air moving through the engine compartment and the hot exhaust manifolds and pipes are radiating their heat into the surrounding, non-moving air.

Now, when I bring the cars home to the garage, I raise the hood to help the engine compartment cool more quickly and subject the plastic and rubber items to less heat soak time and lower temperatures.

This only works if you have a secure place where you can leave the hood open for a few hours, so I can only do it at my home garage.

I cannot predict how much good this will do over the long run but feel that it cannot hurt and may help and it is only a small inconvenience.