You might be wrong when you think that winter breakdowns are the worst. In fact, you’re not the only one feeling the heat. Summer also affects both the interior and exterior of your vehicle. The scorching heat during the summer months may cause breakdowns and other damages. Since most of these damages aren’t visible, you won’t even notice them unless you check on your car.
To maximize the life and performance of your vehicle and prepare them for summer conditions, we have prepared the basic tips on how you can save money on repairs and keep safe and cool during harsh summer days.
Check Your Car’s AC System
Find yourself sweating behind the wheel? Your car might be experiencing an air conditioning issue. When your AC system degrades over time, your vehicle won’t be able to keep up with the summer heat. Don’t wait until you get stuck in traffic at noon with a broken air conditioner. Now’s the time to have an AC system check-up. Does your AC have weak airflow? Is the air coming out of the system too warm? Does your AC system smell horrible?
If you’ve answered yes, head over to a car maintenance professional for an inspection of your AC system. They will identify the issue and fix it before causing further inconvenience.
Inspect Your Brake System
To ensure safe driving conditions and avoid collisions, a thorough inspection of your brake system is required. It is designed to keep you and other motorists safe while on the road. Poor brake maintenance reduces the performance of your vehicle and results in roadside accidents.
Even if your brakes seem to be working fine, make sure to have their checks before brake problems begin to escalate. Strange noises are the common signs that you need to perform a car brake inspection immediately.
Change Your Car Oil
If you cannot remember the last time that you changed your oil, then you’ve been waiting too long between oil changes. Car oil is important in keeping the engine running smoothly. A hot engine needs lubrication to prevent corrosion. The oil lubricates the engine parts, cools the engine itself, and reduces wear and tear.
The summer heat affects your oil system, so make sure to get your motor oil changed at regular intervals. Depending on your car and type of oil, you may need to change your oil as much as every 3 months or 3000 miles. A 5,000-mile interval is recommended if you’re using conventional oil. Meanwhile, synthetic oil can be changed around 7,500 miles or more.
Inspect the Radiator or Coolant
A functioning car radiator comes in handy, especially during the summer. Having a broken radiator means the excess heat from your engine isn’t removed properly. Inspect for signs of leakage. Oftentimes, a malfunctioning car radiator is caused by a leaking radiator hose, broken coolant, and corrosion.
Always remember that the coolant in your vehicle’s radiator works harder in the summer months. It prevents your car from overheating and lubricates your water pump. Change out and refill your entire coolant system every 24 months to ensure maximum performance. If you are not well-versed in inspecting the radiator’s pressure cap and overflow tank, ask a professional to do it for you.
Don’t Forget the Battery
During the summer months, we always use our car’s air conditioning to keep us comfortable while driving. A weak car battery can cause the AC system to function poorly. Extreme heat during summer can speed up the chemical reaction inside your battery and make the internal fluid evaporate. Since high temperatures affect the performance of the battery, have them tested to make sure it has enough voltage to get through the summer.
Nobody wants to be stuck in yet another traffic jam with a dead car battery. It can be extremely frustrating if your battery dies on you that requires jump start car services. Before anything bad happens, clean your battery and its cables, check the fluid levels and get them serviced by a professional. In case you need to jump-start a dead battery, you may contact towing services that can bring your car battery back to life.
Check Your Tires
Asphalt roads absorb heat from the sun, which is why they can heat up when temperatures rise. Roads with high surface temperatures make tires prone to unexpected blowouts, underinflation, and external damage. Always check your tire pressure and tread depth. Are there cracks? Uneven wear? Any signs of wear and tear?
Before you get on a long trip, your tires should be inspected properly. You may also rotate your tires to extend their lifespan and balance the tread wear. Having a spare tire inside your trunk is also recommended. Keep them in good condition before you need to call a towing service to deal with your flat tires.
Watch Out for Signs of Overheating
Hot temperatures can lead to a broken-down vehicle in the middle of nowhere. Some signs of an overheated engine are rising temperature gauge, warning lights, ticking noises, and steam billowing out from underneath your hood. In this situation, you need to safely pull over, turn off your engine, let it cool down naturally to prevent engine issues.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re going for a summer getaway or just driving somewhere, the last thing you want is to experience car breakdowns under extreme heat. Be sure to keep your car in tip-top shape this summer with simple inspection and routine car maintenance.
If you need further help in jumpstarting your battery or taking your vehicle to a car shop, turn to Allentown Towing Co. We are your trusted company for towing and roadside assistance services in Allentown, PA and surrounding areas. Schedule an appointment today!