Spring and summer are when many people decide to visit their family and friends, go on road trips, or just head to the mountains and beaches. Unfortunately, it’s common for drivers to not plan ahead and thus neglect their vehicles.
It’s important to take protective measures and perform the proper summer car maintenance to reduce the potential adverse effects that heat can have on a car. It’s better to perform inspections and routine maintenance than to have the car break down in the middle of nowhere. Here are the five most common spring and summer car-related damages and how to fix them!
Weak Battery
The outside temperature can directly affect the car battery. The ideal operating temperature for a vehicle’s battery is about 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Unfortunately, with the blazing sun and afternoon heat, hot temperatures can lead to battery failure. Here’s how the scorching temperature can damage the car battery:
- Fluid evaporation: intense heat can evaporate the fluid in the battery, resulting in reduced electrical output, damage to the internal battery structure, and less starting power
- Internal corrosion: high temperatures in the battery can accelerate the corrosion process affecting the lead plates inside and where the cables connect to the terminals. The corrosion limits the power that the battery delivers.
- Battery overcharging: The vehicle’s voltage regulator controls the speed at which the alternator recharges the battery when driving. High heat causes the voltage regulator to overcharge and malfunction.
The temperature outside may be unavoidable, but there are some preventative measures to take. First, always take cover by parking in a garage or a shaded area. Keep the battery clean by using a solution of water and baking soda to remove dirt and corrosion. Also, a wire brush can help thoroughly clean the battery terminals. Of course, if the battery is worn down or not performing optimally, have a mechanic replace the battery.
Tire Blowouts
Spring and summer are ideal for going on long road trips. One of the biggest car problems is tire blowouts when traveling long distances.
Hot tires that drive on heated pavements are prone to blowouts. The heat that arises from tar and asphalt on the roads can damage the tires, and the issue can be further exacerbated if the tires aren’t inflated properly.
A tire blowout occurs when there is a sudden loss of air pressure in the inflatable tire, which may be accompanied by a loud pop. They’re generally caused by extreme heat, impact damage, too little pressure, or overloading. There’s a reason May to late August is known as “tire blowout season.” That’s because many people will overload their vehicles and take off on long drives on hot roads.
It can be quite daunting and scary when the tires blow out and you are stuck in a faraway place. Prevent tire blowouts by ensuring your tires are in good condition and maintain the recommended pressure. Also, ensure that the tire tread depth is at least 2/32 inches.
If a tire blowout occurs while driving, it’s best to remain calm. Grip the steering wheel tight, ease the gas pedal, apply the brake slowly, and then safely pull over to the side of the road.
Air Conditioning and Cooling
It’s quite common to have AC cooling systems fail, especially during blazing hot summers. Instead of waiting for the heat to kick in and having the AC unit fail at the most inopportune of times, it’s recommended to see where the cooling system may be damaged and get it fixed immediately. Problems with the coolant can also affect other car parts: For example, a damaged cooling fan can raise the temperature of the engine.
There are many signs that your car’s AC system could be failing:
- Poor airflow
- Loud noises when the AC is on
- Foul odor in the cabin
- Water inside the cabin
- AC starts to cool and then gets warm
- Burning smell from the AC
These are symptoms of a leaky and failing AC system. It’s advisable to regularly change the air cabin filters to prevent long-term damage to the unit and help reduce fuel consumption.
Depending on the cause and severity, these problems may need small maintenance or major repair. Oftentimes, it may require repairing or replacing the AC compressor, which is responsible for pressurizing the system and keeping the refrigerant flowing. Get routine car maintenance check-ups to keep the A/C system in its best condition.
Overheating Engine
Everyone loves the summer, but it’s important to keep the car cool as the temperature rises. It’s common for the engine to overheat on long journeys, especially during summers. When you get your car serviced, it’s imperative to have the coolant levels and cooling fan checked so that the engine is cold during the summer. An engine that runs too hot can threaten the driver’s safety and damage the vehicle.
If the coolant level is very low, add the appropriate amount of engine coolant. Avoid adding coolant when the engine is already hot. Also, consider replacing the car battery. If the battery is over three years old, it may not be delivering the power it once did. Thus, the car needs to work harder to perform optimally and overheats faster.
Vehicle owners can proactively reduce the risk of engine overheating by upgrading to a cold air intake system. The purpose of the aftermarket modification is to bring cold, dense air into the internal combustion engine, which improves the car’s performance.
Worn Out Clutch
For manual drivers, the clutch is a crucial component to control the speed of the vehicle. Unfortunately, hot weather conditions and the stop-start nature of slow traffic can easily wear down the clutch quickly. Many drivers who like to drive off-road or add a trailer to their truck can add more strain onto the clutch. Some signs of a worn clutch are:
- Noises when pressing the clutch
- Trouble shifting gears
- The clutch feels soft while pressing
- Slipping clutch
If the clutch is worn, it’s best to get the clutch replaced with the help of an experienced mechanic. It’s always better to take the vehicle in for a scheduled clutch repair than to wait for it to fail while driving.
Prevent Car Breakdowns
Throughout the lifespan of the vehicle, expect to pay about $0.09 per mile on routine car maintenance and repairs. The more mileage a car accumulates, the more it’ll likely cost.
Taking a vehicle to a car servicing center is the best way to get it ready for spring and summer. Having an expert mechanic conduct a complete inspection and service on the vehicle helps ensure the car’s inner workings are firing on all cylinders and performing at peak condition.
Jordan McDowell is a writer and automotive enthusiast. He specializes in content that helps car and truck owners get the most from their vehicles through aftermarket upgrades.
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.
