Everyone loves summertime adventures and the memories they bring. Park dates, beach days, and epic road trips are some of the best ways to unwind and relax. Whether you’re off on a solo mission or out exploring as a family, summertime is where it is at! But beware, as the temperatures rise, so do the summer time woes. Don’t let the top 5 summer car troubles get you down, get ahead of them with a little maintenance!
Check the Tires
One of the most common breakdowns people face year-round would be the always frustrating flat tire. During the summer months blown tires increase as the temperature fluctuations become more drastic leaving many stranded with bent rims or body damage. Avoid this by checking your tire pressure regularly and ensuring it stays within the guidelines suggested by the manufacturer. You’ll also want to look for wear and tear on the sidewalls, be sure your tread is good, and have them rotated every 3,000 to 5,000 miles as necessary.
Service the A/C
Imagine being out in the summer sun all day long. Playing, working, or even just relaxing. You’re sweaty, ready to head home, and are looking forward to that sweet cool blast relieving you from the heat outside. You slide into the hot car, crank the A/C up, and..it blows hot air back in your face.
Heart-dropping!
You can save yourself the agony by having your car’s fluids, electrical system, and engine maintained properly. It never hurts to have an annual inspection done just to be sure things are in tip top shape!
Prevent Overheating
The heat alone usually is not to blame for engine overheating though the summer weather sure doesn’t help. Be sure to check your fluids and get to know your car a little bit or keep records with a mechanic you can trust. If you begin to notice your car needs topping off a little more often than normal, it may be time to check for leaks or troubles. If you notice steam, your check engine light comes on, or your car’s internal gauge reports an alarmingly high temperature it will be best to pull over and have your systems checked out by a licensed mechanic before hitting the road again.
Check the Belts
Rubber belts on vehicles are known to wear out over time but summertime heat seems to be what usually does them in. During the spring, winter, and fall temperatures are variable and unpredictable swinging between extremes. The rising and falling temperatures can cause further damage to a belt that is struggling as condensation settles into the cracks, freezes, and then thaws again. Add summer heat after a long cycle of thawing and freezing and it’s no wonder the rubber finally gives out. Be sure your belts are on your list for annual inspection so you don’t find yourself stranded on the side of the road.
Inspect the Battery
Winter weather may be what we all imagine when we think of battery drainage but the summer heat can be just as bad. Extremes are never good for vehicles and it’s important not to miss inspecting your battery or the battery compartment. During the warmer months your car will be working harder to keep things cooled down and this may wear your battery down.
Along with the battery itself you should check that all of the connecting wires are secure, look for corrosion near any of the metal parts, and inspect your plastic for signs of melting. If your connections are not secure or things are not properly covered there is risk of corrosion ruining the connectors or even a risk of electrical fire. You’ll want to be sure you have it inspected by a professional if you see any kind of erosion.
When Car Woes Get You Down
Summertime may be one of the best seasons for adventures and road trips but it’s clear it is also an important season for car maintenance. If troubles arise while you are out and about, be sure to reach out to a reputable towing service for help. Whether you need help fixing a flat, you simply locked your keys in your car, or you need a wench, towing companies can make the whole process less stressful. A great technician will be able to assess your situation, make a plan, walk you through the steps as they get your vehicle taken care of, and get you where you need to be.